60Th Anniversary Issue

60 years frame version.pdf 1 19/3/21 11:33 AM 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

CMY

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After 60 years, we’re still going strong and serving all with love! Here’s to Contents

more healthy years with CEO's Message 4 COVER STORIES MEDICINE TODAY Our 60th Anniversary Logo 5 Celebrating 60 Years of 16 COVID-19 Vaccines 50 Dear Doc 7 Serving All with Love Your Questions Answered us with these An Anniversary 21 Midwifery Then and Now 54 Gift, Delivered SHORT TAKES Looking at Floaters 56 Celebrating Their 22 health screening packages. New Years, New Lives 8 Diamond Jubilee BABY & YOU Prime Package Singapore Health Quality 10 Congratulations to 24 60 Service Awards 2021 Our Long Service Breastfeeding for Beginners 58 Men ($556.40 nett) Women ($556.40 nett) COVID-19 Vaccination 11 Award Recipients How to Emotionally Prepare 60 for Parenthood When You Other Packages: We're Getting Better 12 Kind Words 28 • Chest X-ray • Chest X-ray Are Expecting • Full Blood Count • Full Blood Count All the Time Look How Far We've 40 • Glucose • Glucose Blood Donation Drive 14 • Bone Mineral Screen • Bone Mineral Screen Exclusive Come Together JUNIOR & MUMMY • Uric Acid • Uric Acid $1,027.20 nett Men A Commemorative 15 Community Outreach 42 C • Renal Function Test • Renal Function Test Anniversary Gift Through the Years Fussy? Gassy? Crying? 62 $1,155.60 nett Women M • Liver Function Test • Liver Function Test • Lipid Profile • Lipid Profile A Caregiver's Advice on 64 Y • Thyroid Screen • Thyroid Screen Knowing When to Items in package are non- CONVERSATION WITH • Treponema Pallidium (Syphilis) Total Antibody • Treponema Pallidium (Syphilis) Total Antibody CM refundable if declined. Health Seek Help • Cancer Marker - Colon • Cancer Marker - Colon screenings are strictly by Dr Julian Theng and 46 MY • Cancer Marker - Liver • Cancer Marker - Liver appointment only. Dr Colin Theng • Hepatitis B Antibody • Hepatitis A Screen CY SENIOR LIVING • Hepatitis B Antigen • Hepatitis B Antibody CMY • Anthropometry (Height, Weight, Fat Analysis) • Hepatitis B Antigen At 60 66 • Resting ECG • HIV Screen K • Urine FEME • Anthropometry (Height, Weight, Fat Analysis) • Stool for Occult Blood • Ultrasound - Abdomen IN THE PINK • Hepatitis A Screen • Resting ECG Building Resilience 68 • HIV Screen • Urine FEME • Ultrasound - Abdomen • Stool for Occult Blood 15 11 Living Longer, Living Better 71 Premier Men ($725.88 nett) Women ($854.29 nett) Additional test for Premier Package Additional test for Premier Package

• Cancer Marker - Prostate • Cancer Marker - Ovarian • Cancer Marker - Pancreas • Cancer Marker - Pancreas • Ultrasound - Abdomen • Bone Mineral Screen • Ultrasound - Prostate • Ultrasound - Pelvis • Rheumatoid Factor • Mammogram Scan the QR code • Bone Mineral Screen • Rheumatoid Factor for more details 46

Mount Alvernia Hospital reserves the right to make changes to the package without prior notice.

Make an appointment or ﬁnd out more by contacting us at: Mount Alvernia Hospital Health Screening Centr e Operating Hours Tel: 6347 6215 | Email: [email protected] Monday to Friday: 8am – 5pm | Saturday: 8am – 1pm | Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed 41

www.mtalvernia.sg 820 Thomson Road Tel: 6347 6688 www.facebook.com/mtalverniahospital Singapore 574623 Email: [email protected] www.instagram.com/mtalverniahospital t has been 60 years since the hospital was first This year, we also celebrate the diamond jubilee of two of our opened by the Franciscan Missionaries of the FMDM sisters, Sister Bernadette and Sister Florence. We salute Divine Motherhood (FMDM) Sisters in 1961. them for 60 years of religious life in mission. Originally known as a maternity and paediatric hospital, Mount Alvernia Hospital has transformed Sister Bernadette was a nurse in the maternity wards in the itself into a 319-bedder multi-disciplinary general 1960s, during which she served many patients. Later, she hospital to serve the changing healthcare needs of worked for many years in the Pastoral Care Department, where the community over the years. she touched many lives with her love and compassion for the patients and their relatives. In April 2015, Sister Bernadette In the near future, more hospital developments like the new received the Healthcare Humanity Awards presented to maternity and paediatric centre and an integrated oncology Healthcare workers who have inspired the public with their services centre will further define and shape our services to exemplary compassion and commitment to deliver quality care meet the ever-evolving medical needs of the population. with empathy for their patients.

We were very happy to hold our 2-hour ‘live’ 60th Anniversary Trained as a nurse, Sister Florence served many years in the virtual event on 4 March 2021, where close to 300 guests tuned hospital and managed the hospital from 1980 to 1983 as the in to join in the celebrations. The virtual event was also aired on Hospital Administrator. By that time, there were already more than our hospital’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. 200 beds in the hospital. She assisted in numerous surgeries, served many patients, and did a lot of work fundraising for needy After a warm welcome and a trip down memory lane, during patients in both Mount Alvernia Hospital and Assisi Hospice. which the milestones of the hospital’s 60 years of journey were recapped, a series of pre-recorded congratulatory messages While the hospital continues to grow in both capabilities and were shared. The messages hailed from far and wide, and capacities, the Mount Alvernia Hospital family will always aim to included greetings from the Archbishop of Singapore and the live our core principles and values – to provide excellent medical th Minister for Health. services with compassion and care for everyone who enters Our 60 Anniversary Logo our doors. Another highlight of the event was the debut of an original song, ‘The Alvernia Way’. The moving piece was specially Let us continue to serve all with love and touch many more lives We share some insights on the symbolism of our anniversary logo. composed, arranged and performed by colleagues and friends in the years ahead. of the hospital to commemorate our 60th Anniversary. It tells THE GRAPHIC the story of our hospital’s heritage, paying tribute to how our Happy 60th Anniversary! The line drawing depicts Mount Alvernia Hospital’s first building in Singapore, while the use of handwritten fonts and staff have continued to live the values of our FMDM Sisters nature-inspired graphics adds warmth and nostalgia. The five doves circling the logo represent Mount Alvernia Hospital’s while embracing change and moving forward during these fundamental values of Compassion, Humility, Integrity, Respect and Peace. Their strategic arrangement in a circular formation unprecedented times. suggests the synergy between these values, and how together they enable our people to go the extra mile for one another, patients, their families, and the underserved in the community. Dr James Lam Kian Ming CEO THE TAGLINE Mount Alvernia Hospital The anniversary tagline ‘Serving all with Love’ reflects the wisdom and inspiration of our founding Franciscan Missionaries of

the Divine Motherhood (FMDM) Sisters, which we embrace and perpetuate daily. More significantly, it expresses our hospital’s commitment to providing holistic healthcare, raising the quality of care, and serving patients with love – 60 years and beyond.

4 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 5 Dear D C

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60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 7 Short Takes Short Takes New Years, New Lives New Years, New Lives New Years, New Lives Meet our lucky little ‘festive babies’ – the first to be born in Singapore in 2021, and the first to be born on Chinese New Year’s Day in the Year of the Ox.

OUR NEW YEAR BABY OUR CHINESE NEW YEAR BABY Reprising the honour of delivering Some six weeks later, we warmly Singapore’s first-born baby in 2020, Mount welcomed our first 2021 Year of the Ox Alvernia Hospital was once again the lucky baby, little Kyden Liow, at 2.48am on hospital to welcome the first baby born in 12 February 2021. Kyden is the third child Singapore in 2021. of Alicia Chia and Kevin Liow, and a little brother to two older siblings who were also born at Mount Alvernia Hospital.

“We are blessed The Liow family was presented with a special red packet and gifts, including a to have a New hand-knitted outfit from Dr James Lam, Year baby and look CEO of Mount Alvernia Hospital. forward to a double Congratulations to celebration every the Chan and Liow year – celebrating our families, and to all baby’s birthday and families of babies New Year’s Day. We born during this hope for good health challenging yet and peace for our rewarding year, in newborn.” Singapore and all Yu Hui-Lan over the world. There Baby Nyomi and family is perhaps no greater Baby Kyden Liow and family On New Year’s Day at the stroke of midnight, “We are blessed to have a New Year baby “We are glad to be the Maternity Hospital affirmation of hope we welcomed little Chan Yu Tong Nyomi. and look forward to a double celebration of Choice for families and blessed to have THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS, Congratulations to the Chan and Liow She is the second child of Yu Hui-Lan and every year – celebrating our baby’s the national first babies born at Mount than new life. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL NEW families, and to all families of babies born David Chan, and a little sister to 2-year-old birthday and New Year’s Day. We hope for Alvernia Hospital for two consecutive years PARENTS during this challenging yet rewarding year, Nolen Chan, who was also born at Mount good health and peace for our newborn,” – on both 2020 and 2021 New Year’s Day. Our festive babies and all babies born in Singapore and all over the world. There Alvernia Hospital. said Hui-Lan. We wish all babies good health and hope at the hospital on New Year’s Day and is perhaps no greater affirmation of hope for a healthier, healing and peaceful 2021,” during the Chinese New Year festive than new life. According to mummy, it was a bonus having Ms Shirley Tay, Director of Nursing of said Ms Tay. period received special gifts from her husband, David, by her side every day Mount Alvernia Hospital, presented a our generous sponsors: Mums’ Club while he worked from home during the special red packet and gifts to the Singapore, Huggies Singapore, Pigeon pandemic. It seems that every cloud has a Chan family. Singapore, Beauty Mums & Babies, and silver lining, as the saying goes. Freshening Professional.

8 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 9 Short Takes Short Takes Singapore Health Singapore Health Quality Service Awards 2021/ Quality Service COVID-19 Vaccination Awards 2021

What Our Colleagues “Mary is a very motherly person; she Say About Mary reminds all of us how to serve patients “Her smile and her with care and empathy. Her kindness “One unexpected aspect of COVID-19 balanced attitude had and commitment towards her patients outbreak was the opportunity to work and fellow colleagues are greatly with dedicated people who decided a calming effect on appreciated. She is our Superhero to join the newly created COVID-19 indeed!” isolation facility in St Dominic ward. patients and other Mary decided to stay with her team Ms Kathleen Low, Deputy Director of and despite her age she continued to members of the team. Nursing, Mount Alvernia Hospital work with unwavering commitment. It has been a privilege Her smile and her balanced attitude “Mary is affectionately called ‘Mother’ had a calming effect on patients and to work with her during by the rest of the team as she takes other members of the team. It has care of them like family. She also been a privilege to work with her those trying times.” embraces change and adapted well to during those trying times.” the transition from manual charting to Dr Piotr Chlebicki electronic medical record.” Dr Piotr Chlebicki, Infectious Disease Physician, Mount Alvernia Hospital Ms See Bee Fong, Nurse Manager, St Dominic Ward of Mount Alvernia Singapore Health Quality Hospital Service Awards 2021

Adopting the theme ‘Celebration of Unity’, this year’s Singapore Health Quality Service Awards (SHQSA) recognised close to 7,000 healthcare professionals who have contributed significantly to the nation’s fight COVID-19 Vaccination against COVID-19. After receiving their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in January, our FMDM Sisters, PROUD AND GRATEFUL When St Dominic ward was converted to Organised by the SingHealth Duke-NUS an isolation ward to take in patients with leadership team, doctors and staff received their second dose in March. Academic Medical Centre since 2011, the We are proud to fever, flu, respiratory symptoms or possible awards honour outstanding healthcare share that Mount COVID-19 patients, Mary insisted that she AFTER HEALTHCARE WORKERS, professionals who have delivered quality remain with the team despite her age. SENIORS care and excellent service to patients. Alvernia Hospital has Mary turns 67 this year. This second dose of the vaccine completes We are proud to share that Mount Alvernia the full COVID-19 vaccination regime. It Hospital has one ‘SuperHero’ and one ‘SuperHero’ and While our foreign nurses have been unable protects healthcare workers, who are at 34 ‘Heroes’ among this year’s winners. to travel and visit their families, Mary has high risk of being infected, from becoming 34 ‘Heroes’ among provided them with emotional support and moderately to severely ill with the disease. MEET OUR SUPERHERO this year’s winners. comfort. She channels the courage and Mary Emelda Reddy, Senior Healthcare compassion of the FMDM Sisters and Meanwhile, vaccinations for seniors are Assistant, St Dominic ward, has been is a constant source of inspiration to her being rolled out to seniors across the working at Mount Alvernia Hospital for colleagues. island. As more vaccine supplies become 24 years. Besides supporting the nursing available, the Singapore Government will team, she tirelessly helps and coaches our roll out the programme to cover the rest of junior staff. Singapore’s population.

10 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 11 Short Takes We’re Getting Better All the Time

We’re Getting Better All the Time When we recently embarked on an internal Quality Improvement Project throughout all departments, every member of our staff made a concerted effort and rose to the challenge. Here we share three outstanding improvements that arose from the project.

SAFE ADMISSION OF REACHING OUT TO CLEARING SOILED 24-HR EMERGENCY MOST PATIENTS DURING A MOST MEAL TRAYS MOST WASTE- AND SERVICES IMPACTFUL PANDEMIC INNOVATIVE IMPROVEMENT IMPROVEMENT Our Housekeeping COST-SAVING ISOLATION CASES Our Dietetics Department Department took the IMPROVEMENT Our Business Office worked closely with our initiative of changing the way worked in close collaboration Technology & Strategy colleagues to ensure meal trays were being collected from with our 24-Hr Emergency Services continuity of care for patients during last patients’ rooms. Previously, meal trays were Department to minimise the shuttling back year’s Circuit Breaker from April through hand-carried out of patients’ rooms, then and forth between departments by patients June, when non-essential healthcare clinics cutlery and leftover food were cleared into and their next-of-kin whenever an outpatient were closed. separate compartments in the food trolleys was admitted to our hospital. that were parked in the wards’ corridors. After researching various digital This took place in view of public and staff, By devising a form that captured all telecommunications platforms, our potentially obstructing foot traffic, degrading necessary information, from personal dietitians were able to successfully conduct air quality and generally creating a poor particulars and insurance details to consultations with patients at the majority of impression. signatures of patients and their next-of-kin nursing homes under their care, as well as for admission and deposit collection, the with pregnant mums at risk of gestational Now, the soiled meal trays are removed number of trips was reduced from two or diabetes. Contactless payment was from the patients’ rooms and placed directly three to just a single trip. Overall, the duration transacted via PayNow, thus streamlining into the food trolleys, leftover food and all. of the admission process was halved from accounting for the hospital. The subsequent sorting of leftover food and approximately 30 minutes to just 15. cutlery is done in the kitchen, rather than in By harnessing technology, patients were full view of public and staff in the corridors. Essentially, this innovation resulted in greater able to continue receiving professional convenience for patients and their families, advice on dietary matters at a time when This simple single improvement saved time, and enhanced staff and patient safety, general health was of utmost importance, improved the navigability of the corridors, especially in view of the COVID-19 situation. without being exposed to undue risks through and lifted the image of the hospital. The paperwork, the footwork and the risks of physical contact and without breaching infection were all significantly reduced. health advisories. Well done, Housekeeping.

All involved should be congratulated. That resourceful innovation is cause for celebration.

12 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE Short Takes Short Takes Blood Donation Drive A Commemorative Anniversary Gift

Blood Donation Drive As part of our 60th Anniversary celebrations, Mount Alvernia Hospital held a Blood Donation Drive on Thursday, 1 April, the eve of Good Friday.

ALL HANDS ON DECK said Terrence Tan, Singapore Red Cross. A total of 71 donors gave blood for this blood donation exercise. All hands were on deck, Thank you, Red Thank you, Red Cross volunteers, staff and with clinical services, hospital operations, Cross volunteers, blood donors, for your contributions to this mission and corporate development staff on very worthy cause. The donation drive made site to assist Red Cross and volunteers. staff and blood Good Friday and Easter even more meaningful A Commemorative because it gave us the opportunity to do our Mount Alvernia Hospital staff from other donors, for your part to give life to others. departments also volunteered to assist with Anniversary Gift administrative duties such as registration contributions to this and issuing of certificates. Safe distancing very worthy cause. As part of the hospital’s 60th Anniversary celebrations, every officers were in attendance to ensure that As 1 packet of blood helps to save up to colleague was given a Mount Alvernia Hospital's reusable face mask safety measures were adhered to. 3 lives, we would have made an impact committee for their support and assistance. as a commemorative gift. In a special ceremony, Father Peter Wee on an estimated 213 patients already! “I would like to thank the organising Really heartened to see many first-time blessed the masks before their distribution. donors stepping forward to save lives,”

14 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 15 Cover Story Cover Story Celebrating 60 Years Celebrating 60 Years of Serving All with Love of Serving All with Love

Celebrating 60 Years of Serving All with Love

Sixty years ago, on 4 March 1961, Mount Alvernia Hospital opened its doors with 60 beds, staffed entirely by the FMDM Sisters. Over the past six decades, we have seen our FMDM Sisters’ legacy grow into a general OUR VIRTUAL EVENT In the course of the event, the audience hospital with 319 beds. Through the years, the tradition of providing compassionate and patient-centred care On 4 March 2021, close to 300 guests tuned “Together with all was introduced to the second Mount has continued, and the values on which the hospital was founded have never wavered. in to our 2-hour ‘live’ 60th Anniversary virtual Alvernia Outreach Dental Clinic in event. The virtual event was aired on our my colleagues and Enabling Village, located at Redhill, which Facebook page and YouTube channel. is nearing completion. The new clinic will Extraordinary times call for an extraordinary approach to celebrating our 60th Anniversary. In the midst of doctors, we will be wheelchair-friendly with wide open COVID-19, with the aid of technology, we brought the celebrations to colleagues, doctors, partners and After a warm welcome and a trip down spaces, a low counter, sliding doors and a memory lane, during which the milestones continue to grow our wheelchair tilter for dental works. The clinic is friends across Singapore and around the world. of the hospital’s eventful journey were progressively being fitted out for our official recapped, a series of pre-recorded core values, so that opening in the next few months. Together Here is how we are celebrating our virtual diamond jubilee event. congratulatory messages were shared. The we can write more with the first Mount Alvernia Outreach Dental messages hailed from far and wide, and Clinic in Toa Payoh, we will continue to serve included greetings from the Archbishop wonderful chapters vulnerable patients such as persons with of Singapore, Minister for Health, FMDM disability, isolated seniors and underserved Congregation Leadership Team member, of our Mount Alvernia families. Chairperson of Catholic Health Care Asia, FMDM Sisters, our leadership team, doctors, Hospital history.”

community outreach partners and corporate Dr James Lam Kian Ming, CEO partners. (See page 28 for selected highlights of messages from well-wishers.)

16 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 17 Cover Story Cover Story Celebrating 60 Years Celebrating 60 Years of Serving All with Love of Serving All with Love

The outreach clinics are an integral part of Mount Alvernia Hospital’s community outreach initiatives, which collectively aim to The Alvernia Way provide disadvantaged sectors and members of the community with timely access to CHORUS: healthcare services. We are Mount Alvernia Serving all with loving care A highlight of the event was the debut of Spreading hope, and joy we share an original song, ‘The Alvernia Way’. The Day after day, moving piece was especially composed, As our Sisters taught us arranged, performed and recorded by We’ve served all sons and daughters colleagues and friends of the hospital to With love and all who’ve sought us commemorate our 60th Anniversary. It sets In the Alvernia Way the story of our hospital’s heritage to music, paying tribute to how our staff have continued Picture our Sisters, all those years ago to live the values of our FMDM Sisters while Tending to the sick all day, after which they’d go embracing change and moving forward To build our mission hospital, with blood and sweat and tears during these unprecedented times. With Blessings and devotion, it’s stood these 60 years

(CHORUS)

Serving generations, with love and with a smile, We strive to do our best each day, and go the extra mile, Fun, interactive roving quizzes kept the the Chairman and CEO of Mount Alvernia A family for all families, we lend a listening ear audience on their toes, and a second Hospital. (Read more about our long-serving To help in such occasions and minimise the fear pre-recorded song, ‘Make me a channel “What our founding FMDM Sisters on page 22, and our long- of your peace’, was sung by the FMDM Sisters had was the serving staff on page 24.) (CHORUS) Sisters, colleagues and the Mount Alvernia Hospital choir. courage and faith Despite the lack of a physical gathering, Looking ahead to the next sixty years, the event felt intimate, sincere and joyous. We’ll never give up the quest SERVING FOR THE LONGEST TIME to respond to their Thanks to all who contributed their time, their To live the aims of our Franciscan roots What would a celebration be without cake? ideas, their kind words, and their support. And always to give of our best To commemorate this very special day, vocation, and a calling special guests gathered around a cake that to bring God’s love Other 60th Anniversary events include (CHORUS) had been specially baked and decorated with our recent Blood Donation Drive and the the hospital’s 60th Anniversary logo. They and healing to all who upcoming opening of the second Mount We are Mount Alvernia! sang a spirited rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ Alvernia Outreach Dental Clinic at Enabling During the virtual event, we also welcomed – only without the usual candle-blowing, of are in need.” Village. Our second major fundraiser, the our first 60th Anniversary baby – a lovely course, in view of COVID-19 protocol. The Mount Alvernia Hospital 60th Anniversary The Alvernia Way Mr Ho Tian Yee, Chairman baby girl born 18 minutes after midnight. Our Music and lyrics: Alan Smith small gathering included two of our FMDM Walk, is scheduled to take place during the FMDM Sister, Sister Linda Sim, conducted Piano accompaniment: Yann Perron Sisters who are celebrating 60 years of later part of this year. a special blessing of this precious little one Sound engineer: Jhon Leones service, four recipients of this year’s Mount in the very ward in which her mother was Choir members: Sister Linda Sim, Alan Smith, Joyce Ong, Judith Lee, Alvernia Hospital long service awards, and being cared for. This was something of Erica Lin, Ari Sutanto, Theresa Toh and Ang Xin Xuan an exception to the norm, whereby baby blessings are conducted in the hospital’s chapel on the day of discharge. (See a photo of this special little one, and find out about our social media contest, on page 21.)

18 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 19 Cover Story Cover Story Celebrating 60 Years An Anniversary Gift, Delivered of Serving All with Love

A full 60 years after the A Year of Giving Thanks hospital began its life, and Giving Back we continue to cherish In addition to our virtual celebratory event, a full calendar of activities has been planned in the diamond jubilee year. the new lives that The first event of our 60th Anniversary year, named ‘NIU’ Year Blessings!, took place at the very beginning of the year. It exceeded its target of raising $10,000, Mum Irene Tan and Baby Ellerie Chew, with Sister Linda Sim, begin their journeys and Ms Shirley Tay, Director of Nursing and brought some festive cheer to the lives of families in need. Red packets, here – along with the were distributed to beneficiaries through our adopted charities: the Family lives of all those we Journey Programme by Care Corner, Project Family by Fei Yue, and Big Love by Montfort Care. serve at every stage of Baby Ellerie Chew and family Capture Your Baby’s Our adopted charities: Growing Moment their journeys. WIN a Personalised An Anniversary Keepsake Blanket If you received a 60th Anniversary BLANKETING ALL WITH LOVE limited edition commemorative blanket To spread the joy of our special year, we are when you delivered your baby at Mount gifting every baby born at Mount Alvernia Gift, Delivered Alvernia Hospital, we invite you to enter Hospital during 2021 with a limited-edition Please join us in welcoming the first baby born at Mount Alvernia our social media contest. commemorative 60th Anniversary blanket. Hospital on our 60th Anniversary day, lovely little Ellerie Chew. A full 60 years after the hospital began its life, WELCOME, ELLERIE we continue to cherish the new lives that begin Ellerie was born on 4 March 2021 at 12.18am their journeys here – along with the lives of all to proud first-time parents, Chew Wee Jie “Ellerie is a blessed those we serve at every stage of their journeys. and Irene Tan. This adorable little bundle of and lucky baby to be joy arrived a whole three weeks shy of her estimated due date. the first baby born

“Ellerie came as a surprise to us. Though on Mount Alvernia we were planning to have kids, we didn’t To enter: expect to have her so soon,” shared Irene. Hospital's 60th Place your baby on their 60th “Being a first-time parent, I was nervous as Anniversary!” Anniversary blanket and include an I had no clue what to expect. This transition indicator of baby’s age (in months). Snap to parenthood is definitely challenging for us, Irene Tan and share the photo on your social media but at the same time, very rewarding. Ellerie with hashtags #MountAlverniaHospital is a blessed and lucky baby to be the first #AlverniaBabies #Mommysbae. 60 GIFTS FOR 60 BABIES baby born on Mount Alvernia Hospital's In addition to Ellerie, the next 59 babies born 60th Anniversary!” The three posts with the most likes at Mount Alvernia Hospital will each receive will each WIN a personalised toddler a commemorative blanket and gifts from our Mummy, Daddy and baby received special blanket to celebrate the precious first generous sponsors. gifts from our sponsors along with Mount year of growth. Alvernia Hospital’s 60th Anniversary limited We wish to thank the following respected edition commemorative blanket. Winners will be notified via Instagram brands for sponsoring our 60th Anniversary and Facebook. babies’ gifts: Aviva, Beauty Mums & Babies, We wish the Chew family many years of Freshening Professional, Huggies Singapore, good health and joyous growing together – Keenz Wagon Stroller Singapore, Mead while growing ever closer together. Johnson Nutrition, Mommy’s Bae, Pigeon Singapore, SuperMommy and Yago Services.

20 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 21 Cover Story Cover Story Celebrating Their Diamond Jubilee Celebrating Their Diamond Jubilee

SISTER FLORENCE birthing and nurturing of life. Therefore the Celebrating Their Trained as a nurse and midwife, Sister “May you continue new block is very relevant to our mission,” Florence served Mount Alvernia Hospital for said Sister Florence. many years and managed the hospital from to uphold the FMDM 1980 to 1983 as the Hospital Administrator. On the occasion of Mount Alvernia Hospital’s By that time, there were already more than charism, which 60th Anniversary, Sister Florence has Diamond Jubilee 200 beds in the hospital. In addition to this message for the extended family of assisting in numerous surgeries and nursing encourages us to the hospital’s religious and lay staff, and In the same year that we are celebrating the hospital's 60th Anniversary, hundreds of patients, she has been active in volunteers: we also celebrate the diamond jubilee of two of our FMDM sisters, Sister Bernadette fundraising work for needy patients at both seek to imitate Mary and Sister Florence. We salute them for 60 years of religious life in mission. Assisi Hospice and Mount Alvernia Hospital. in her unique role as “May you continue to uphold the FMDM charism, which encourages us to seek to SISTER BERNADETTE undergoing training to work as a Clinical Sister Florence has seen the hospital move Mother of God – to imitate Mary in her unique role as Mother of Sister Bernadette has dedicated her life Pastoral Care counsellor in the 1980s. and expand with the times, and has always God – to conceive, give birth to, and nurture to healthcare and served generations of “My work is a great Prior to joining Mount Alvernia Hospital, been a champion of change. While she conceive, give birth to, the life of Christ – which is a life of love – in patients since 1966 through the FMDM. source of joy and she worked as a nurse at the old Mandalay cherishes the constant values of the FMDM and nurture the life of our hearts, our communities and in our In recognition of her life-long service and Road Hospital isolation ward for tuberculosis Sisters, she welcomes modernisation and world today.” dedication to patient care, she received the enrichment for myself patients in 1957. Over the decades, she has upgrading. Christ – which is a life Healthcare Humanity Awards Honourable touched many lives through the love and Mention Medallion from Former President personally. I hope to compassion she has shown to patients and Today, she looks forward to the completion of love – in our hearts, Tony Tan Keng Yam in 2015. The award their relatives. of the new mothers and children’s block. recognises healthcare workers who have be able to enjoy this our communities and inspired the public with their exemplary special privilege for as “My work is a great source of joy and “Part of our charism is the conceiving, in our world today.” compassion and commitment to deliver enrichment for myself personally. I hope to quality care with empathy for their patients. long as I can.” be able to enjoy this special privilege for as Sister Florence long as I can,” said Sister Bernadette. One of the first few local Sisters who joined Sister Bernadette Mount Alvernia Hospital after it was opened Sister Bernadette pioneered Clinical Pastoral in 1961, Sister Bernadette was trained and Care in 1985 at Mount Alvernia Hospital. worked as a nurse and midwife before

22 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 23 Cover Story Cover Story Congratulations to Our Congratulations to Our Long Service Award Recipients Long Service Award Recipients

Congratulations to Our Long Service Award Recipients

We recognised and celebrated the contributions and loyalty of staff who have served at the hospital for periods ranging from five to 50 years. We chatted with some of our longest-serving colleagues during our virtual anniversary event

LIVING OUT THE VALUES OF THE FMDM SISTERS Mr Koh Nyuk Choon, Technician in Facilities Management, has Our Long Service Award recipients continue to live out the values of clocked up a full 45 years of service with the hospital. He echoed the FMDM Sisters as they work with passion and an unshakeable Ms Ang’s sentiments when he said, “I admire and appreciate the commitment to nurturing life, bringing joy and serving all with love. hospital’s Christian mission and its compassionate, forgiving culture.”

Ms Ang Gek, Nurse Manager, Delivery Suite, who has been with the Ms Ng Lih Wang, Principal Physiotherapist, Rehabilitation Centre, Ms Margaret Mary Paul, Patient Service Assistant, Business Office, receiving her Long Service Award for 15 years of service receiving her Long Service Award for 40 years of service hospital for 35 years, singled out the FMDM Sisters as her source of inspiration. Ms Ng Lih Wang, Principal Physiotherapist in the Rehabilitation Ms Margaret Mary Paul, Patient Service Assistant in the Business “The FMDM Sisters brought with them a sense of warmth and Centre, who has been with the hospital for 15 years, said, “I like the Office, has been with us for 40 years. Explaining her gratitude and belonging that the hospital has continued to embody over the years. values embedded in the working culture at Mount Alvernia Hospital – dedication to the hospital, she said, “As a Catholic, Mount Alvernia They are my role models for caring and serving all with love,” we serve all with love. I am also drawn to the unique history of Mount Hospital is my employer of choice. My strong affinity with the said Ms Ang. Alvernia Hospital, to which the FMDM Sisters have selflessly given hospital’s vision, values and ethos has enabled me to find purpose their time and in fact their whole lives.” and joy in my work.”

A MESSAGE FROM OUR LONG-SERVING STAFF Margaret spoke for all of her colleagues when she penned this message for the hospital on the occasion of its 60th Anniversary:

Mr Koh Nyuk Choon, Technician in Facilities Management, “A big THANK YOU to all the FMDM Sisters who started the good receiving his Long Service Award for 45 years of service work at Mount Alvernia Hospital. It is my wish that the beauty and legacy of their love will continue to flourish as we expand and embark on new chapters of our history.”

Ms Ang Gek, Nurse Manager, Delivery Suite, receiving her Long Service Award for 35 years of service

24 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 25 Cover Story Cover Story Congratulations to Our Congratulations to Our Long Service Award Recipients Long Service Award Recipients

The Honours Roll Ganesh Bahadur Khadka, Coffee House « Low Kar Yin, Corporate Development « Chan Wai Yee, Day Ward « Rani Koodathummuriyil Varughese, Day Ward « Lim Lee Cheng, Delivery Suite « Toh Qi Xian Terence, Diagnostic YEARS Imaging « Ho Fui Tze, Diagnostic Imaging « Tan Chor Gek, YEARS YEARS 10Sumathy D/O Arumugam Pillai, 24-Hr Clinic & Emergency Diagnostic Imaging « Lee Yoke Fong, Diagnostic Imaging « « 50Tan Lim Siok, Food & Beverages Khng Mui Tien, 25Kamala Davi A/P Kathir Gamer, 24-Hr Clinic & Emergency « « « Services Lim Hui Gee, Business Office Lim Yew Song Dampil Jennelyn Villanueva, Diagnostic Imaging Sinaram Housekeeping « Ng Chek Gin, Housekeeping Services « Koh Sai Moo, Corporate Development « Bernadette William, Clinical Pastoral Care « Ari Wulandari Sutanto, Sarah Shamila, Dietetics « Natarajan S/O Doraisamy, Facilities Rajoo, Front Office « Sulaiman Bin Ahmat, Housekeeping « Corporate Development « Carmela Dawn Lalong Isip Cueto, Management « Tay Lee Wah, Finance « Chong Yoke Peng Si Lian Kiang, St Michael Ward Day Ward « Chidie Canon Verginisa, Delivery Suite « Millie, Finance « Chong Ka Shem, Food & Beverages « Chee Siew Lin, Finance « Aw Liang Hsiung, Food & Beverages Pathmapriya Perumal, Front Office « Rubah Govindasamy, « Grace D/O Yessudas, Front Office « Chee Chai Ling, Housekeeping « Uylengco Arlene Aranzanso, Intensive Care YEARS Housekeeping « Sunga Richard Villanueva, Intensive Care Unit Unit « Yeong Chee Leong, Laboratory « Seah Juncheng, « 45Nalini Govindan, Day Ward A Vasantha Kumari, Delivery « « « « Foong Chee Kei, Materials Management Leow Bee Tian, Laboratory Yogis D/O Subramaniam, Laboratory Leu Qian Suite « Koh Nyuk Choon, Facilities Management YEARS Parentcraft « Chui Jinq Fong, Pharmacy « Ng Gek Neo Alice, Yi Jasmine, Laboratory « Chan Chien Liek Caroline, Laboratory « 20Ho Li Chin, 24-Hr Clinic & Emergency Services Oh Lay Khim, « « « « Rehabilitation Centre Mohamed Rozali Bin Abdul Rahim, Lim Sok Fong, Laboratory Tan Siew Lan, Laboratory Business Office « Ruhana Bte Ahmad, Delivery Suite « Security « Sharom Bin Mohammad, Security « Jason John Nadesan Rageindran, Laboratory « Yam Mei Ying, Medical Hamimah Bte Haji Dollah, Food & Beverages « Goh Sze Ling Chavez Araboy, Technology & Strategy « Sandoval Danielle Affairs « Ong Swee Bee Joyce, Mission « Low Phui Toh Rosalind, Intensive Care Unit « Mageswari A/P Rajoo, Nursing Rose Tio, St Clare Ward « Despabeladera Marilou Loyola, Kathleen, Nursing Administration « Chan Wei Jie Timothy Administration « Chok Shuk Kyun Beverley, Rehabilitation Centre YEARS St Dominic Ward « De Guia Maria Janice Cabadin, St Joseph William, Operating Theatre « Baldove Jezelmar Arellano, « « « 40Margaret Mary Paul, Business Office Jumiah Binte Yunani, Chinnasamy Latchemenan, Security Glenda Lor Cabansay, « « Ward Shasi Priya D/O Ravi, St Joseph Ward Operating Theatre Saing Ja Maing, Operating Theatre Our Lady Ward « Vasegee Arumugam, St Francis Ward « St Michael Ward « Aaron Gerard, Operating Theatre « Alim Bin Hamzan, Pereira Gloria, St Francis Ward « Ho Mei Leng, St Michael Operating Theatre « Muhammad Ihsan Bin Abu Rahim, Ward « D Leela Bernardine, St Raphael Ward Operating Theatre « Dimaano Dina Gegajo, Operating Theatre « Lim Sem Choo, Parentcraft « Misalang Mercedes Gundayao, YEARS Pharmacy « Sultan Ali Shahul Hameed, Pharmacy « Harvy YEARS « 5Francis Sylvia Shanti, 24-Hr Clinic & Emergency Services Anne Tanglao Makabali, Pharmacy « Tan Yuan Teng, Pharmacy « 15Lee Beng Sim Frances, 24-Hr Clinic & Emergency Services « « « « Marlar Tin Aye, 24-Hr Clinic & Emergency Services Ehlilarrasi Koh Zexuan, Pharmacy Busari Bin Tarjoh, Security Ng You Ting, Business Office « Duanmu Chuanfang, Day Ward « YEARS Tamilselvan, 24-Hr Clinic & Emergency Services « Dandan Ocampo Editha Quilantic, Our Lady Ward « Yin Nyein Thu, « « 35Ang Gek, Delivery Suite Francis Mary Madeline, St Gabriel Elizabeth Fabiana Macapayag, Diagnostic Imaging « « « Edmyralyn Gaspar, 24-Hr Clinic & Emergency Services Our Lady Ward Zhu Jing, St Clare Ward Roshazmira Binte Ward « A. Jenyanthy V. Annasalam, St Raphael Ward Ng Lih Wing, Rehabilitation Centre « Neo Yan Fen, Vinothini Selvanderan, 24-Hr Clinic & Emergency Services Fhaidil, St Clare Ward « Mon Myat Zin, St Dominic Ward « St Joseph Ward « Siti Salbiah Binte Omar, Business Office « Liaw Yue Ting, See Chia Wen, St Dominic Ward « Tijimol Lukose, St Dominic Business Office « Soon Hao Shien Dickson, Business Office Ward « Geder Lea Tomboc, St Dominic Ward « Loria Dorothy « Gan Siew Lee, Business Office « Ely Aqilah Binte Mohamed Paz Quinon, St Dominic Ward « Gayatri D/O Amrathalingam, Nasir, Cardio-Vascular Laboratory « Punggothei Subramaniam, St Dominic Ward « Lian Bee Leng, St Francis Ward « YEARS Central Sterile Services « De Souza Jeffrey Peter, Central Suganya D/O P Gunasager, St Francis Ward « Chet Kae « 30Karuppathevan S/O R, Facilities Management Teo Siew Eng, « « « Sterile Services Elizabeth Moey Kar Lee, Clinical Pastoral Shuang, St Francis Ward Su Jianping, St Francis Ward Food & Beverages « Aishah Binti Muhammad, St Gabriel Ward Care « Megala D/O Arinathan, Clinical Quality & Informatics « Chua Li Lian, St Gabriel Ward « Teh Hui Hui, St Gabriel Ward « Tamilselvi D/O Vaithilingam, St Joseph Ward Yeo Joo Lee Jillian, Clinical Support Administration « « Morales Abigel Celmar, St Gabriel Ward « Rubiales Valerie Cacayan, St Joseph Ward « Mary Thangam D/O Bazi, St Michael Ward « Dela Cruz Ma Dominica Layug, St Michael Ward « Eng Lee Lan, St Michael Ward

26 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 27 Cover Story Cover Story Kind Words Kind Words Kind Words Thank you to all who wished us well on our 60th Anniversary. Here we share some of the heart-warming messages we received and aired during our 60th Anniversary live virtual event.

In the gospel, we are told that Christ came to seeking to rediscover the ideals of a true It is my pleasure to join you, albeit virtually, at the pandemic, Mount Alvernia Hospital also bear our infirmities on His body. He came to Catholic hospital – showing the face of Jesus Mount Alvernia Hospital’s 60th Anniversary supported the Health Promotion Board’s heal and to liberate humanity from diseases May God make you to all, regardless of race, language or religion. celebrations. Mount Alvernia Hospital was I would like to thank National Colo-rectal Cancer Screening and to set them free. I thank the FMDM all fruitful in your May God make you all fruitful in your ministry built in 1961, as Singapore’s first not-for-profit Mount Alvernia Programme, from 2018 to 2020, by providing Sisters of Mount Alvernia Hospital, especially of healing. Congratulations on your 60th private hospital, providing maternity and subsidised colonoscopy services… To the pioneers who have gone before us and ministry of healing. Anniversary of medical and pastoral care. paediatric and services. Today the hospital Hospital for partnering everyone at Mount Alvernia Hospital who left us with the great legacy of continuing God bless you all. also offers medical and surgical services, and has partnered and collaborated with us, I their mission of healing and giving life to the Congratulations on is setting up its new maternity and paediatric the Ministry of Health would like to take this opportunity to thank all sick, and comforting those who are suffering. Most Reverend William Goh centre and integrated oncology services of you. Keep up the good work, and continue To the Board, the staff and collaborators your 60th Anniversary Archbishop of Singapore centre, to meet the needs of the community. in various national to touch the hearts of the patients you serve. of Mount Alvernia Hospital, thank you for of medical and I would like to thank Mount Alvernia Hospital healthcare initiatives. Once again, Happy 60th Anniversary. for partnering the Ministry of Health in various pastoral care. God national healthcare initiatives. Take the Mr Gan Kim Yong COVID-19 pandemic, for example. At the as patients with non-COVID-19 conditions Minister for Health bless you all. peak of the outbreak in Singapore last year, transferred from public hospitals. This helped Mount Alvernia Hospital received and cared our public hospitals to continue caring for for recovering COVID-19 patients, as well all patients, COVID-19 or otherwise. Prior to

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It has been 60 years since our FMDM Sisters opportunities to touch lives, and to serve As we celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Road, and then at Woodbridge, and the founded the Mount Alvernia Hospital. What more with love. I am very blessed to be part Mount Alvernia Hospital, we look back on Today, the stage may rest is history. Today, the stage may have started out as a small mothers’ and children’s Over the next of the Mount Alvernia Hospital family, and 2020 and marvel at the challenges that we all changed, the healthcare services may have hospital has evolved into a full-fledged two years, we will I hope that together with all my colleagues had to overcome… As bleak as things may have changed, the evolved, but it still requires the same courage general hospital. Over the next two years, we and doctors, we will continue to grow our look, I wonder what this interview would be and the same faith to respond to the calling. will continue to grow, adding a new mother continue to grow, core values of Compassion, Humility, like if we had done this interview in 1949 with healthcare services With that, I would like to wish you all a Happy and child block and a new integrated cancer Integrity, Respect and Peace, so that we the founding Sisters. They had just arrived 60th Anniversary. centre. But more important than the physical adding a new mother can write more wonderful chapters of our on a foreign shore, to an unknown reception, may have evolved, expansion of facilities and capabilities, Mount Alvernia Hospital history. Happy 60th with limited resources. Yet what they had Mr Ho Tian Yee these platforms will provide us with more and child block and Anniversary! was the courage and faith to respond to their but it still requires Chairman, Mount Alvernia Hospital a new integrated vocation, and a calling to bring God’s love the same courage Dr James Lam Kian Ming and healing to all who are in need. They cancer centre. CEO, Mount Alvernia Hospital started to serve those whom society had and the same faith to shunned, first with the patients at Mandalay respond to the calling.

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On behalf of all FMDM Sisters around the world, in England, As I look back, it is with much gratitude to God for His guidance Scotland, Island, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Rome, Jerusalem and and protection for the various developments and projects through Malaysia, we really congratulate you on this wonderful occasion, a the years, and for all who have journeyed with us over the years – day of great thanksgiving and many blessings. I sometimes wonder the doctors, dedicated staff and their families. March the 4th, 1961 what was in the minds of our three pioneering Sisters – Angela, was also a very special day and year for me, as I set sail on my Camillus and Baptista, as they set out on their missionary journey that religious journey, leaving Singapore for the first time away from eventually led them to Singapore in 1949, they were posted to Tan my family as a young postulant to join our international noviciate in Tock Seng Hospital to care for people living with tuberculosis, and to Ladywell, England. I have seen, experienced the transformation of Trafalgar House, to care for people living with leprosy. Their mission Mount Alvernia Hospital and grown with the hospital over the years. was simple – to share in the healing ministry of Jesus, bringing hope I feel so richly blessed to know, in the words of Saint Francis himself – and restoring dignity. Little did they know their simple beginnings we have done what was ours to do… Happy Diamond Jubilee, Executive Team of Mount Alvernia Hospital would contribute valuably to nursing in Singapore… May the Mount Alvernia Hospital! competency and compassion of the early Sisters remain the hallmark of Mount Alvernia Hospital. May the missionary zeal and enthusiasm While we look back over the past 60 years We continuously ‘Serve All with Love’ and It is also a joy to see what our FMDM Sisters Sister Eucharia Tan of our early Sisters who have gone before us be the heartbeat of your FMDM of Mount Alvernia Hospital – we have reach out to those who fall through the safety began more than six decades ago being many encounters as you continue to reach out and serve all with responded to the call of duty and embraced net of healthcare provision in the community. grown, deepened and strengthened. love. Congratulations, and may this diamond jubilee year be filled with changes within the complexities of Ms Shirley Tay Ms Cindy Ong blessings of hope and peace for all. healthcare. Director, Nursing Director, Human Resources Dr James Lam Kian Ming Sister Helena McEvilly CEO I am proud to be part of this legacy and how And how every colleague has a role to play FMDM Congregation Leadership Team Member we, as one Mount Alvernia Hospital family in these testing times – your dedication and Healthcare, which is always evolving and constantly go the extra mile to help one commitment enable us to emerge stronger transforming to meet changing needs and the another, patients and their families, and the and more resilient. environment, but our values remain constant. underserved in the community. Mr Gus Teoh “May the competency and Mrs Annie Lim Dr Djoni Huang Director, Hospital Operations Director, Finance Director of Clinical Services compassion of the early Sisters Together, let us continue to write more As a Catholic hospital, we grow our FMDM The wisdom and courage of our founding beautiful chapters of Mount Alvernia remain the hallmark of Mount Mission of bringing healing and hope to each FMDM Sisters inspire us, daily, encouraging Hospital’s legacy – 60 years and beyond. On behalf of all our FMDM Sisters, I take this opportunity to pay tribute and every patient who enters our doors. us to live out our values in our work – to Dr James Lam Kian Ming Alvernia Hospital. May the and express heartfelt gratitude to each and every one who in way or Mr Bruce Leong provide holistic healthcare; raising quality of CEO missionary zeal and enthusiasm another contributed to the Mount Alvernia Hospital of today. Praise Director, Technology & Strategy care and support for people. and thanks be to God. Thank you to our Board of Directors, Ms Karen Poon Thank you everyone of our early Sisters who have management and staff, doctors, mission partners. I am sure that our Director, Mission pioneer FMDM Sisters are celebrating with us in spirit. for making Mount Alvernia gone before us be the heartbeat I am happy to say that we have lived out Hospital special. Sister Linda Sim our fundamental values of Compassion, of your many encounters as you FMDM Humility, Integrity, Respect and Peace throughout the years. continue to reach out and serve Mr Goh Hock Soon all with love.” Director, Corporate Development Sister Helena McEvilly

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We affirm your unique role in healthcare and your reputation as a For 60 years, Mount Alvernia Hospital has been providing health Mount Alvernia Hospital Outreach Office has set up a medical and The Mount Alvernia Hospital Outreach Medical Clinic at Enabling beacon of mercy and compassion. Your emphasis on maternal and services for all who need them, with compassion and kindness, in dental clinic in Agape Village, and we are so proud to say that the Village was the first of its kind in Singapore to deliver subsidised child health truly witnesses to your FMDM legacy, and gives flesh accordance with the values of Saint Francis of Assisi. From its humble community has been enriched by these services in the Toa Payoh primary healthcare to underserved communities, including persons to the Divine Motherhood. May God bless your efforts, may your beginnings, it has developed into an iconic hospital in Singapore, area… This year is the Catholic 200 SG celebration, and we are with disabilities. You have touched many lives. With the new medical new endeavours continue to bear fruit, and we wish you a wonderful well-known, loved and respected by all. Carry on your excellent work. really, really proud that Mount Alvernia Hospital can showcase the and dental clinic opening at Enabling Village, we wish you many more anniversary celebration and commemoration. Congratulations and Happy 60th Anniversary. great work you have done in the last 60 years. So once again, Happy years of success on your inclusive journey with us. On behalf of all of 60th Anniversary from all of us at Caritas Singapore. us at SG Enable, Happy Birthday, Mount Alvernia Hospital. Ms Wendy M Lewis Mr Phillip Tan Chairperson, Catholic Health Care Asia Chairman, Community Chest Ms Christine Wong Ms Ku Geok Boon Executive Director, Caritas Singapore CEO, SG Enable

It is truly a blessing to share a similar mission of providing Mount Alvernia Hospital is not just a hospital building. It is a place, a Mount Alvernia Hospital is not only a pillar of support, care and Happy 60th Birthday, Mount Alvernia Hospital. A big congratulations compassionate, excellent and holistic healthcare, and to be part of home actually, where doctors, nurses and also patients have all grown comfort to those who turn to you in times of need, but through your to the FMDM Sisters, Dr James Lam and the team at Mount Alvernia this prestigious phase, 15 years on and counting. We at Eagle Eye over the years, together as a family – and not just any ordinary family, active involvement in social impact programmes, you have also Hospital for reaching this significant milestone of providing 60 years Centre look forward to continuing our partnership with Mount Alvernia but a family which understands the core values of Compassion, touched the lives of countless more. Well done, and keep doing the of service with love to Singaporeans. Icon is proud to partner with you Hospital, and wish the hospital more blessings and success in the Humility, Integrity, Respect and Peace. Thank you, Mount Alvernia good work. The PRUPanel Connect team at Prudential is honoured in the next phase of your journey, and delivering on our joint promise years to come. Hospital, for allowing me to be part of this family, and watch you grow and proud to partner Mount Alvernia Hospital for making quality to provide exceptional healthcare on your campus. Congratulations! over the past 15 years. Congratulations on your 60th birthday. healthcare accessible for our policyholders, and we really look further Dr Julian Theng to further enhancing our partnership. Ms Serena Wee Founder and Ophthalmologist, Eagle Eye Centre Dr Lim Kwang Hsien CEO, Icon Cancer Centre Paediatric Medicine, Kinder Clinic Dr Sidharth Kachroo Medical Director, Prudential Singapore

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Happy Birthday – congratulations on turning 60 this year. Thank you We are the ACJ Group, and we’ve been here for two and a half years. From all of us at FrieslandCampina, a very Happy 60th Anniversary, Happy 60th Anniversary and congratulations on making such a very much for the good partnership for the past 20 years. I wish the We are very happy here, and we thank you for having us. We feel very Mount Alvernia Hospital. You are truly a hospital that leads and significant milestone. From all of us at Nestlé, we wish you many more hospital many good years ahead. privileged to be part of the team, taking care of patients and showing nourishes with the heart and I have no doubt that with the great successful years ahead. them God’s love in the way that we minister and take care of their principles that you adhere to, the next 60 years will be fantastic. We Dr Jane Yap sicknesses… Happy Birthday, Mount Alvernia Hospital! thank you for a long partnership, and look forward to a great future Ms Kimberley Oh Business Manager, Nestlé Nutrition Singapore Respiratory Medicine, Jane Yap Chest & Medical Clinic with you. Dr Adrian Tan, Dr Candice Wang, Dr Caroline Khi and Dr Joycelyn Wong Obstetrics & Gynaecology, ACJ Women’s Clinic Mr David Naidu Managing Director, FrieslandCampina

I would like to give my heartiest congratulations to Mount Alvernia Congratulations… You’ve come a long way since you started in Here at Mead Johnson, we really thank you for your many years of Hospital for achieving its milestone 60th birthday anniversary. KKH 1961… Likewise at Aviva, we have a long history in Singapore. wonderful support and partnership. We wish you many good years Dental Services has been very glad to partner with Mount Alvernia We’ve been here, formerly known as ICS, Insurance Corporation ahead. Happy Anniversary, Mount Alvernia Hospital! Hospital and we remain committed to increasing the accessibility of of Singapore. We have over a million customers, and we have dental care services to the community through our dental outreach formidable partnerships, of which one of them is our partnership with Mr Clement Ng clinics. Happy Birthday! you. Hope we can take this partnership in providing both financial and Head of Medical Services, Mead Johnson Nutrition health services to all Singaporeans and their loved ones and give a Dr Chay Pui Ling holistic offering to Singaporeans. Head and Consultant, Dental Service, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital Mr Pavan Virmani Chief Alternate Distribution Officer, Aviva

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We pay tribute to the FMDM Sisters and the hospital staff Congratulations, Mount Alvernia Hospital, and thank you for who have continued to serve all with love. your support and partnership over all these years.

Dr Ong Eng Keow, Board Member, Mount Alvernia Hospital, Sister Elizabeth Lim, Board Member, Mount Alvernia Hospital, Dr Ho Kheng Thye, Board Member, Mount Alvernia Hospital, Mr Tham Sai Choy, Board Member, Mount Alvernia Hospital, Mr Paul Beh Jit Han, Board Member, Mount Alvernia Hospital, Mr Eddie Chau, Board Member, Mount Alvernia Hospital, Ms Chan Chia Lin, Board Member, Mount Alvernia Hospital, Dr Kwa Chong Teck, Board Member, Mount Alvernia Hospital, Ms Tan Su May, Board Member, Mount Alvernia Hospital.

We are proud to be part of the FMDM family together with you. May you Dr Ching Kwok Choy, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, KC Ching Clinic, Dr Goh Shen Li, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, S L Goh Women’s Clinic, Dr Ho Hon Kwok, H K Ho Women & Fertility Clinic, Ms Agnes Chia, Chief Service Officer, Care Corner Singapore, Mr Desmurn Lim, Director, Big Love, Ms Evelyn Chye, Social Worker, Fei Yue Community continue to uphold the mission and provide the compassionate love to Services, Ms Gina Lim, Founder and Managing Director, Lady’s Raffles International, Mr Yusuke Nakata, Chairman, Pigeon Singapore, Ms Hoo Kah Yan, Brand Manager (Huggies), Kimberley-Clark Singapore, Ms Joan Ong, CEO, all you serve. WeLoveSupermom, Ms Sherilyn Quek, Freshening Industries.

Ms Anita Fam, Chairman, Assisi Hospice, Ms Choo Shiu Ling, CEO, Assisi Hospice, Ms Joan Lim-Choong, CEO, Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital, Penang.

38 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 39 Cover Story Cover Story Look How Far We’ve Come Together Look How Far We’ve Come Together Look How Far We’ve Come Together As we look back on the eventful 60-year journey of Mount Alvernia Hospital, we look forward to a meaningful future of serving all with love.

1961 1965 1971 1985 1996 – 1997 2004 2009 – 2010 On 4 March, Mount Alvernia Mr Lee Kuan Yew officially By 1971, three extensions The Clinical Pastoral Care Medical Centre A opens, adding medical The Day Surgery Centre and the 24-hour A hospital-wide community outreach Hospital opens as a 60-bed opens a new five-storey wing, of the building have been Department is established as part suites, operating theatres, delivery Walk-in Clinic and Emergency Services programme is officially launched to hospital entirely staffed by the which brings the total number added, all officially opened of holistic care to support patients suites, an endoscopy centre and open and begin serving the public. bring health screening services to the FMDM Sisters, who are trained of hospital beds to 127. by Mr Lee Kuan Yew. and their relatives. rehabilitation centre to the hospital. underserved communities. Alvernia nurses. The first baby is delivered Parentcraft Centre is launched as a at the hospital on 12 March 1961. More medical suites are added with dedicated one-stop centre for antenatal the completion of Medical Centre B. care, childbirth education and newborn baby care. The total number of hospital beds is now 303.

2019 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2011 We become the first private hospital to Our Alvernia Endoscopy Centre is redesigned Our Laboratory Services are redeveloped St Dominic medical and surgical wards Mr Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Emeritus Archbishop Nicholas Chia The Mammography Screening partner Community Chest to raise awareness as a one-stop service facility with a minor operating and expanded to provide increased and St Michael maternity wards open, Health and Archbishop William Goh, officially opens our newly Centre is launched. Our first and rally support for the Rare Disease Fund. theatre so that patients can undergo colonoscopy capabilities and procedures based on the providing additional bed capacity to officially opens Medical Centre D. renovated Chapel. overseas office, Mount Alvernia and follow up with other minor surgeries within most contemporary medical laboratory reduce waiting time, and accommodate The number of on-campus specialist Hospital Information Centre We announce our partnership with the same premises. methodologies and systems. increased inpatient admissions. clinics is now 89. We become the first hospital in (MAHIC), officially opens in Icon Cancer Centre to build a new integrated Singapore to expand our magnetic Jakarta on 6 May. cancer facility at the hospital premises, Our electronic medical records system, Our second outreach clinic, comprising We officially open our first outreach resonance imaging (MRI) services offering services like haematology and christened HealthAngel, goes ‘live’. HealthAngel medical and dental services, opens at medical clinic at the Enabling Village for prostate, breast and magnetic radiation oncology. will enhance hospital operations and integrate into Agape Village in Toa Payoh. located at Redhill, providing healthcare resonance angiography (MRA) with the national healthcare network. services to people with disabilities and the new 3 Tesla MRI digital scanner Our new partnership with Prudential We successfully transit from the underserved in the community. with Ambient Experience. allows patients to enjoy the convenience ISO 2008 standards to ISO 2015 of cashless medical service. standards hospital-wide.

A new wing is added to St Francis Ward with two sets of two-bedders and four-bedders, bringing our bed count to 319.

We begin construction of a new maternity and paediatrics centre. The centre will be ready in 2022.

2020 2021 All hands are on deck to manage We celebrate our 60th Anniversary. the COVID-19 pandemic.

40 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 41 Cover Story Cover Story Community Outreach Community Outreach Through the Years Through the Years

Mount Alvernia Community Outreach

WHAT WE DO: • Our medical clinic provides general practitioner consultation and Outreach activities in the community 2018 medication for the management of common acute illnesses such We also rely on the services of a core Outreach Dental Clinic, with safe distancing as fever, diarrhoea, headaches group of doctors, nurses and allied health measures in place and in full compliance and giddiness, and the prevention Community Outreach activities from 2009 – 2019 professional volunteers both on-campus with ongoing protocols. and management of chronic and off-campus, who assist us with our conditions such as diabetics, high mobile outreach events and provide ad hoc After some delays, we are looking forward to blood pressure and other chronic pro bono consultations for every referred the opening of our second outreach dental conditions. Community Outreach outreach cases. Prior to the COVID-19 clinic at Enabling Village in Redhill, which is pandemic, we also enjoyed the invaluable located in the western part of Singapore. • Our dental clinic provides basic dental assistance of a rotating pool of medical services including routine scaling Through the Years students from Duke-NUS Medical School FOND MEMORIES AND WELL WISHES and polishing, fillings and extractions. and the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine. In our 60th Anniversary year, we asked Free dentures are provided through Anthea Neo, Assistant Director and Head our Smiles for Good Programme in Though the hospital-wide Community Outreach programme officially began in 2009, it channels the We deeply appreciate and sincerely thank of Community Outreach to share her fond partnership with Caritas Singapore. spirit of loving service that has been touching the lives of local communities since the hospital began. our volunteers who have joined us in serving memories of Mount Alvernia Hospital. the community and making a meaningful • We run mobile clinic sessions at REACHING OUT AND GIVING BACK grassroots level through partnerships with needs of Singaporeans, we too strive to impact on so many lives. “In the last decade that I’ve been here, outreach partner venues for groups To be of service to our community, we non-profit organisations, churches and other keep our services in step with the changing Mount Alvernia Hospital has changed so that have difficult coming to the clinic, actively engage in outreach activities to religious organisations, both locally and healthcare landscape. NAVIGATING OBSTACLES much. The campus landscape is constantly such as foreign workers, people bring care directly to those in need while overseas. Not surprisingly, COVID-19 has disrupted evolving since the day I joined, with new with disabilities, isolated seniors building on our long history of caring for the With the pro bono support of consultants and temporarily halted many of our medical centres and a new maternity and and young children from vulnerable underprivileged. CHANGING NEEDS, NEW SERVICES from Bain & Co, a study was done in 2020 community outreach activities. For example, paediatric building. We have continually families. In the course of conducting health to identify future healthcare needs and our regular mobile clinics with TWC2 expanded and advanced to keep up with A little known fact is that Assisi Hospice’s screenings, one of our community outreach the people most likely to need our helping in Little India and at foreign workers’ the changing healthcare needs of the • We provide dietetics support for story began in Mount Alvernia Hospital, when initiatives, it became apparent that many hands. Consequently, we are in the process dormitories were suspended at the start population,” reflected Anthea. “Yet spiritually seniors in partnership with not-for- it was a new wing that the FMDM sisters had of the patients we saw needed ongoing of crafting programmes that cater to the of the pandemic. Likewise, the pandemic we have returned more to our roots with profit nursing homes. built for chronically ill patients, most of whom assistance to ensure continuity of care. current and future needs of the underserved thwarted many of our plans to conduct health greater emphasis on our mission. Our were in financial need. The hospice, now Hence we embarked on a new initiative to members of our community. screening activities for the foreign worker heritage and ethos differentiate us from the • Other mobile services include flu an independent institution, has expanded to provide highly subsidised primary healthcare community, to pick up on chronic conditions other healthcare players and make the work vaccinations, dental and ad hoc serve patients who are suffering and in need services for the needy and vulnerable IT TAKES A COMMUNITY… and treat them. we do even more meaningful.” health screening and healthcare- of palliative care, regardless of their condition. members of our community who had fallen In addition to our passionate Community related talks. through the gaps of society’s safety net. In Outreach staff and one locum coordinator, Our regular visits to homes for the disabled As for her wishes for the future of the Over the years, we have constantly served 2014, we started preparations to open our numerous colleagues from all departments were put on hold, and our Smiles for hospital, Anthea shared, “May the hospital • Specialist consultations and inpatient and reached out to the Singapore community, first outreach clinic. of the hospital regularly give their time, effort Good denture programme also had to be grow stronger with each passing year, and admissions at Mount Alvernia focusing on those who may otherwise fall and expertise to volunteer at our outreach suspended during the Circuit Breaker. continue to be imbued with the missionary Hospital are provided for selected through the safety net of healthcare provision After our first outreach medical clinic opened events. They also recruit fellow volunteers, spirit of the FMDM Sisters. May we bring beneficiaries referred to us by our in our community. in 2015, dental services and a number of assist with hospital-based outreach cases, However, we are adapting to the ‘new norm’ pride to the legacy that they started.” social service agency partners. mobile healthcare services were added and support our outreach clinics in various and patiently but persistently working Our hospital-wide Community Outreach in 2016. ways such as providing flu vaccinations, around the obstacles in our way. Since On that note, we thank the Community programme has reached out to more health screening activities, and dental entering Phase 3 of the Government’s Outreach team for bringing our founding than 15,000 people through mass health LOOKING AHEAD services. safe reopening plan, we have fully resumed Sisters’ loving legacy to life – and touching screenings and health talks conducted at Just as Mount Alvernia Hospital is expanding services at all the Mount Alvernia Outreach the lives of the thousands of Singaporeans, and adapting to the changing healthcare Medical Clinics and Mount Alvernia foreign workers and beneficiaries they serve.

42 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 43 Cover Story Cover Story Community Outreach Community Outreach Through the Years Our Outreach Journey Through the Years

1961 1969 1982 1992 1993 2007 Mount Alvernia Hospital, A new wing, catering to aged and The wing formerly known as The FMDM Sisters vacate their own The renamed Assisi Home and Assisi Home and Hospice reverts to its a 60-bed hospital, opens. chronically ill patients in financial need, Khoo Block is renamed Assisi home and convent to accommodate Hospice opens in April 1993, earlier name of Assisi Hospice. Its Home opens. It is named Khoo Block after its Hospice. It offers respite care a much larger hospice with single providing Inpatient, Home Care Care service is extended to weekends, benefactor, Mr Khoo Yang Tin. and later, palliative care. rooms for hospice patients. and Day care services to meet the with on-call nurses providing better access growing demand for palliative care. to palliative care for patients who wish to remain at home.

2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2009 The Assisi team moves patients over Mobile services, including a Mount Alvernia Hospital establishes The Mount Alvernia Hospital A Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new A Community Outreach programme, to a new Assisi Hospice building. mobile clinic, flu vaccinations and a medical clinic for the vulnerable Board decides to establish a Assisi hospice is held. It is envisioned as offering health screening and health Specialised inpatient Paediatric and home visits, commence. and marginalised members of our new outreach venture. a purpose-built healing environment for talks, is officially established. Dementia palliative services with community at Enabling Village (EV). patients and families. purpose-built wards commence – In collaboration with KK Women’s and a first in Singapore. Children’s Hospital, our first dental clinic opens at Agape Village alongside a second outreach medical clinic.

The first of many patients referred by our partners, such as MSF and SPECtacular, receive specialist consultations and hospital services.

2018 2019 2021 A subsidised basic dental care programme Our community dental initiative, A second dental clinic is planned for Foreign Domestic Workers is launched. Smiles for Good, provides the first of to open at Enabling Village. many free dentures for patients. We embark on a partnership with Singapore General Hospital to station community nurses at EV medical clinic twice a week.

A Community Outreach Resource and Strategy Group is formed.

44 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 45 Conversation with Conversation with Dr Julian Theng and Dr Julian Theng and Dr Colin Theng Dr Colin Theng

Dr Colin Theng and Dr Julian Theng

My Alvernia: Who is the older brother? Julian: As Colin said, our parents’ desire skin condition. She was very depressed for us to be doctors was a driving force. and wanted to separate from her husband Colin: There are four siblings in the family. Aside from that, my parents had me take because she felt unworthy of him. Her Our eldest brother Danny works in IT, and care of our grandmother when I was young. unsightly appearance had affected her our elder sister Lisa works as a lawyer and Administering her insulin jabs every morning self-esteem. With treatment, her skin cleared managing partner at a law firm. Then comes was my early training in the medical field. up completely and when she saw me in the Julian and then me, the youngest. We are all clinic again, she looked radiant and said her one year apart in age. life was back to normal and her marriage had been saved. It really made my day, knowing My Alvernia: Are you similar or different to “Dermatology is that we can make a big difference in our each other? patients’ lives. interesting because it Colin: I think we are quite different. Julian is very visual. Often, Julian: There are so many memorable is a dreamer and more of a risk-taker, while patients, but one that stands out in particular I am more cautious. However, we are you can diagnose the is Singapore celebrity actor Edmond Chen. similar in that we are both kind at heart, and About 10 years after his first visit to my clinic, Dr Julian Theng committed to work and family. skin condition by just he came to see me about his son who had been blinded by an infection of the cornea Julian: I agree with Colin in that we do have looking at it without that caused a very bad scar. He had already different styles. But what drives us both is having to do lab tests consulted numerous doctors, and heard the strength of our faith. Whatever our faith about the pros and cons and risks of cornea and Dr Colin Theng prompts us to do, we pursue it to the very and imaging studies. transplantation in his son’s eye. Because best of our ability. of the high risks involved, he had been We had the pleasure of chatting with brothers Dr Julian Theng, Founder, Group Dermatology is also procrastinating about whether or not to have My Alvernia: What inspired you to pursue the transplant done for his son. Chairman and Ophthalmologist at Eagle Eye Centre, and Dr Colin Theng, Senior careers in medicine? quite diverse.” Consultant Dermatologist at The Skin Specialists & Laser Clinic. We learned how I believe he was trying me out as a doctor Dr Colin Theng they are bonded by medicine, faith and family ties. Colin: As a child, I felt that medicine was when he recommended his mother a noble profession. I think this was partly for cataract surgery. Subsequently, he influenced by my parents who had always My Alvernia: Can you share the story of a recommended his sister, for whom I wanted us to be doctors. I was quite single- particularly memorable case? performed refractive surgery. minded in wanting to do medicine, and when Julian got into medicine first, he supported Colin: One of my most memorable patients After these successful surgeries, his my choice. I have no regrets. was a lovely lady who came to see me confidence grew. Finally, after six years because of her severe psoriasis, a chronic of waiting, he allowed me to be his son’s

46 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 47 Conversation with Conversation with Dr Julian Theng and Dr Colin Theng Dr Julian Theng and Dr Colin Theng

My Alvernia: Are eye conditions ever related The numerous new biologics for the Julian: The impact of COVID-19 led to to skin conditions and vice versa? And have treatment of psoriasis are extremely effective opportunities for improvement in running our you ever collaborated on crossover cases? and have a good safety profile. In the past practice with the aid of digital technology. two years, biologic treatment has also been At all of our centres, we observe safe Colin: Yes, there are conditions that have approved for the treatment of eczema. For distancing protocols and follow the both eye and skin symptoms, and we have eczema sufferers, this is a breakthrough measures advised by the Ministry of Health. collaborated on some before. I remember treatment that has been proven to be a safe Julian referring me a case of a patient who and effective alternative to traditional oral My Alvernia: What is your advice to our had red eyes with skin rashes and was found medications. readers on how to look after their skin health to have an underlying autoimmune disease. and eye health?

My Alvernia: What is the most common “I encouraged Colin: Sun protection is extremely important condition that you see in your respective as the sun accelerates skin ageing, causes practices? Colin to join Mount pigmentation and increases the risk of skin cancer. Avoiding unnecessary sun Julian: Cataract and Lasik surgeries are Alvernia Hospital exposure and using sunblock regularly is the main volume of work that I do, as well as very important. cornea transplantation. The high prevalence partly because I felt of ophthalmic disorders in Southeast Asia that the hospital’s Julian: Most of the advice for reading in and Singapore is primarily due to the rise in bright light conditions and not spending too the ageing population. For example, about mission and vision long in computers is more applicable for 48 percent of people in Southeast Asia children with developing eyes and vision. are affected by cataract and this figure is are similar to those of For adults, just eat well, stay healthy and go expected to rise gradually. for regular eye checks when you have any Eagle Eye Centre – to issues. That’s all you need to worry about. cornea transplant surgeon. It has been close My Alvernia: Was it by design or diagnose the skin condition by just looking at Colin: In my clinic, the most common skin to 10 years now since the surgery was done coincidence that you both ended up in it without having to do lab tests and imaging condition I see is eczema. This is also the serve with love and My Alvernia: Thank you, gentlemen, here at Mount Alvernia Hospital. It went well, private practice at Mount Alvernia Hospital? studies. Dermatology is also quite diverse – most common condition seen at the National for the insights into brotherhood and the as I managed to restore his son’s vision. I’ve we treat skin, hair and nail diseases, sexually compassion.” Skin Centre. In Singapore, eczema is a very medical fraternity. We greatly enjoyed the also done Lasik for his other eye and now he Colin: Julian enjoyed working at Mount transmitted infections, do skin surgeries and common skin condition that affects up to 20 Dr Julian Theng conversation. enjoys 6/6 vision. They’ve been very grateful Alvernia Hospital and loved the working laser treatments, and aesthetic procedures percent of the population. Eczema rates tend patients, and we have become good friends. environment there. So, when the opportunity too. This makes our work very challenging to be higher in more developed countries, It was a wonderful outcome. arose, I set up my private practice there as and enjoyable. When I did a rotation as a Julian: My involvement with cornea which may explain why there are so many well. I especially like the hospital’s Catholic medical officer at the National Skin Centre, I transplantation and artificial eye transplants cases in Singapore. My Alvernia: Are your spouses and children culture and its wonderful staff. really enjoyed dermatology and so I decided 10 years ago was definitely a catalyst Dr Colin Theng Dermatologist in medicine and healthcare too? to become a dermatologist. in my current practice as well as the My Alvernia: What is the most significant The Skin Specialists & Laser Clinic Julian: I encouraged Colin to join Mount advancements on presbyopia, which I development or breakthrough in each of your Medical Centre D #07-61 Julian: My wife was a teacher, but stopped Alvernia Hospital partly because I felt that Julian: I chose ophthalmology as a specialty wrote a book on 10 years back. This allows respective fields in the last 10 years, and in teaching when our second child was born. the hospital’s mission and vision are similar only after I had an attachment as a medical different techniques and methods to free the last 2 years? My kids were at one point in time interested to those of Eagle Eye Centre – to serve with officer at the eye department at Singapore patients from glasses. Dr Julian Theng in medicine but now they have grown up, love and compassion. National Eye Centre. It was quite an ‘eye Ophthalmologist Colin: In the last 10 years, there have they have focused on their other passions opener’ for me. I realised how rewarding a My Alvernia: How has COVID-19 affected Eagle Eye Centre been many advances in dermatology Medical Centre D #06-57/58/59/60/61/62 like music, arts and business. My Alvernia: What attracted you to your profession it is, because it really makes the your respective practices? treatments, especially for psoriasis. These respective specialties of dermatology and blind see. Seeing the joy on the faces of so new treatments include biologics treatments, Colin: My wife is a doctor too, and used ophthalmology? many patients immediately after their life- Colin: COVID-19 has changed my practice whereby antibodies are injected into the to work as a GP. My daughter is currently changing Lasik experiences made me say significantly. We observe safe distancing body to bind to specific treatment targets. studying medicine in Dublin. Colin: I think dermatology is interesting – this is the job for me! protocols and have stepped up the because it is very visual. Often, you can frequency of cleaning surfaces. We have also been doing more teleconsultations for patients, as well as home delivery of medications.

48 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 49 Medicine Today Medicine Today COVID-19 Vaccines COVID-19 Vaccines Your Questions Your Questions Answered Answered

If a person has had and recovered infection. It is hard to tell right now, because The MOH advises that the from COVID-19, are they these numbers are calculated on the basis approved COVID-19 vaccines are Qconsidered immune? of a very small sample group, usually fewer Qnot recommended for pregnant women, than or around 200 people. This number severely immunocompromised persons, This is a controversial topic. Initially, for will be more precise when the data is based and children under the age of 16 years. the first several months after infection, on more people and on real-life situations Why is this so? Athe vast majority of patients appear to have rather than trial settings, which is one of the very good immunity. However, data shows reasons why the world is watching the Israel ‘Not recommended’ does not mean that after some time, in some people, the experience so carefully. that the vaccine would be harmful in antibody level drops. More time, and more Aany way, it is simply because these three data, will tell us more. groups of people are excluded from clinical trials. As far as we know, there is no real Should people who have had reason that the vaccines will harm them. COVID-19 be vaccinated? ‘Not recommended’ does not mean Q ‘contra-indicated’. It is quite likely that within It depends on the geographical the next few months, when the results of Dr Piotr Chlebicki receiving the vaccine at Mount Alvernia Hospital perspective. In countries where the more studies come out, these subgroups will Apandemic is raging, it does not make sense be able to get this vaccine. logistically to check who has and has not had COVID-19. Whether it is really helpful is open for debate. I think the compromise may be to COVID-19 Vaccines give these people one dose instead of two The Israel Experience doses, to boost their own antibodies. Israel • A small country Your Questions Answered If a person has had COVID-19 and is • A highly digitised, universal health system Q then vaccinated, would they have a • Setting for extensive real-world trial of the Pfizer Dr Piotr Chlebicki, Infectious Diseases Specialist at Infectious Diseases Medical Clinic, addresses common higher than normal risk of suffering serious COVID-19 vaccine side effects after receiving the vaccine? questions and concerns about the vaccines that have been approved for use in Singapore. Initially, with other vaccines a previous The deal with Pfizer What is your professional opinion The Ministry of Health website A infection can increase the risk of serious • Data is promised in exchange for a steady Q on the vaccines approved for use “Most of us will be Q warns that severe allergic side effects. But so far, this does not seem to supply of BioNTech vaccines in Singapore’s COVID-19 Vaccination reactions, including “eye, mouth, or facial apply to the approved COVID-19 vaccines. Programme, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine vaccinated and our swelling, difficulty in breathing and/or a and the Moderna vaccine? fall in blood pressure” may take place Why do the approved vaccines December 2020 lives will slowly return after receiving the vaccine. How common not work in a small percentage of • Vaccination programme commences Q People 60 years Both of these vaccines have been are these allergic reactions? people? • Nearly 90 percent of people 60 years and older A proven effective not only in clinical to normal.” and older receive vaccines trials but also in real life. In clinical trials, This describes a severe allergic There are a few reasons. There is a Dr Piotr Chlebicki the effectiveness of the Pfizer vaccine was reaction to almost anything. The risk is small proportion of people who just do 24% A A 41% DROP 94 percent. In the real-life experience in present with all vaccines, but it is a question not respond to vaccines. These are usually 6 weeks later DROP 31% Israel, where around 70 percent of the Why are the vaccines administered of frequency. In clinical trials, the risk of people with certain medical conditions, with In sample vaccinated group DROP population has been vaccinated, it is also in two doses – 21 days apart for severe allergic reactions was 1 in 100,000 severely weakened immune systems that (people aged 60 years and older) Q New COVID-19 COVID-19 Critically ill very positive. I have had the Pfizer vaccine the Pfizer vaccine and 28 days apart for for the Pfizer vaccine, so it is very infrequent. are unable to mount an appropriate defence cases hospitalisations patients myself, and I think it is a very good vaccine. the Moderna vaccine? This number comes from one week of response. There is also an issue with how NOTE: In early February, Clalit, Israel’s largest Sources: In fact, it has exceeded expectations. (See reporting from the US in the second half cases are counted. In clinical trials, the few healthcare provider, reported a 94 percent drop https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus- ‘The Israel Experience’.) of December. Very soon we will have data in symptomatic COVID-19 cases among 600,000 israel-pfizer-idUSKBN2AH281 The first dose is to prime the immune people who developed COVID-19 after being people who had received two doses of the Pfizer system. The second dose is sort of like based on several weeks of reporting. My vaccinated may have developed a very vaccine. This is aligned with the 94 percent https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/05/world/middleeast/ effectiveness found during clinical trials of the vaccine. Aa reminder. When the immune system learns guess is that the frequency of severe allergic mild version, but this is still counted as an israel-virus-vaccination.html how to fight the virus, the second dose is an reactions will be shown to be even lower than enhancer or booster dose. that already low number.

50 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 51 Medicine Today Medicine Today COVID-19 Vaccines COVID-19 Vaccines Your Questions Answered Your Questions Answered

Do new mutant strains pose a We have heard that some vaccines this optimistic scenario with what is available. threat to people who have had can alter DNA. Is there any such If and when the vaccines arrive in sufficient How Vaccines Work QCOVID-19 or been vaccinated? Qrisk associated with the approved amounts, no doubt things will speed up. But for COVID-19 vaccines? now, we just need to be patient, and continue Human Immune System (without Vaccination) There are many mutant strains, but the to observe good hygiene, social distancing and A new pathogen or disease enters the body and introduces a new antigen. In response to the new antigen, the body builds a two that are most worrying are those Live attenuated vaccines are made mask wearing. That is all we can do. specific antibody. The antibody grabs onto the antigen and defeats the pathogen Afrom South Africa and Brazil. There are some from weak live virus cells, such as signals that even though you may have had Ameasles and chickenpox vaccines. These What are your predictions for COVID-19, you may get it one of these two are never given to pregnant women. the future of the pandemic in strains again. There was an interesting study However, the approved vaccines are both QSingapore? done in the Amazon region of Brazil. More mRNA vaccines – or messenger RNA MEASLES CHICKEN than 70 percent of the population already vaccines. These vaccines contain small Locally, sooner or later, most of us POX had COVID-19 and therefore had antibodies, pieces of genetic information that are will be vaccinated and our lives will which is close to what we consider to be enclosed in lipid envelopes. There are no Aslowly return to normal. In fact, it is already (ANTIGEN) herd immunity. But despite that, there was a live virus cells or DNA present, so there happening. The big question that everyone EXISTING EXISTING EXISTING EXISTING major second wave anyway. This serves as is no chance that the vaccines can be is trying to figure out is – when will the PATHOGEN ANTIBODY PATHOGEN ANTIBODY a warning that we may see new strains that incorporated in our DNA. borders reopen so that we can travel again? have different properties, so to speak. Unfortunately that depends not only on how What is your general advice to we handle the pandemic in Singapore, but Have there been any cases of the Singaporean public regarding on what happens in other countries, which is these two worrying new strains in QCOVID-19 vaccination? beyond our control. QSingapore? FLU The supply of vaccines is limited, and Not that I know of. It is unlikely that the there are groups of people who will Dr Piotr Chlebicki imported cases that we are seeing Abenefit more from being vaccinated than Infectious Diseases Specialist Infectious Diseases Medical Clinic Acome from South Africa or Brazil, due to others, such as the elderly, people with serious Medical Centre D #07-57 travel restrictions. medical conditions, and frontline healthcare EXISTING EXISTING NEW NO workers. These priority groups will receive the PATHOGEN ANTIBODY PATHOGEN ANTIBODY vaccines first. Of course it would be nice to say – the sooner the better, but we have to balance Vaccines Approved for Use in Singapore Human Immune System (with Vaccination) VACCINE A vaccine that includes parts of the antigen from • Both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna the targeted pathogen enters the body vaccines are mRNA vaccines or NEW ANTIBODY messenger RNA vaccines In response to the new antigen, the body • mRNA vaccines contain material builds a specific antibody from the COVID-19 virus that gives our cells instructions on how to If the pathogen and its corresponding antigen enter make a harmless protein that is the body later, the antibody grabs onto the antigen unique to the virus and defeats the pathogen • Our cells make copies of the protein then destroy the genetic material Source: https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/ from the vaccine detail/how-do-vaccines-work • Our bodies then recognise that the protein should not be there and build antibodies to fight the virus

Source: https://www.gov.sg/article/what-you-should- know-about-the-covid-19-vaccine

52 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 53 Medicine Today Medicine Today Midwifery Then and Now Midwifery Then and Now

of giving birth. Midwives comfort anxious fathers in the same way that they always have, with soothing words and a reminder of Midwifery God’s gift waiting at the end of the ordeal.

“We will patiently explain the progress of the wife’s labour, assuring him that frequent and strong contractions are nature’s way Then and to gradually help the descent of the baby’s head and dilate the mother’s cervix to the 10cm mark, which is when she can bear down and push,” shared N.G. “We will constantly remind him that he will soon see Sister N.G. with a newborn baby in Mount Alvernia Hospital in 2021 Now his lovely little bundle of joy!” Sister Tarcisius Leong, with the first baby born in Mount Alvernia Hospital in 1961 forceps and Kielland’s rotational forceps are PRECIOUS MEMORIES still used by obstetricians, based on their When we asked N.G. to share some of preference and the position of the baby. The “Giving birth is a her fondest memories as a midwife, she Our veteran midwife, Ng Geok Pin or ‘Sister N.G.’ as she is known amongst her colleagues, main addition to the ‘toolkit’ is a disposable happy occasion. I provided this litany of meaningful moments. unit called a Kiwi® cup, which has found Assistant Director of Nursing at Mount Alvernia Hospital, reminisces and reflects on how far favour among obstetricians in recent years. get the immense “Seeing first-time mothers very determined midwifery has come during her 45 years of ushering new lives into the world. to push their babies out, tearful parents With regard to caesarean deliveries, N.G. job satisfaction of holding their newborn with smiles and tears THE CONSTANTS AND THE CHANGES Midwifery. The same applies today, only an CHANGES TO ‘NATURAL’ DELIVERIES recalled that while parents’ consent used seeing the arrival of rolling down at the same time – these are According to N.G., there have been few Advanced Diploma in Midwifery now takes Whereas once only the midwife may have to be obtained by a trained nurse, now the always special moments,” reminisced N.G. major changes to the job definition and eight months to complete compared to the been present for a natural delivery following responsibility lies with the obstetrician. newborns and sharing responsibilities of midwives since 1976, when previous 12 months. a low-risk pregnancy, today it involves a On a more comical though somewhat she first qualified as a midwife and worked team of at least three, in addition to mother “The obstetrician is now responsible for in the happiness alarming note, she recalled, “One father at BMI Mount Alvernia Hospital in Guildford, MORE EDUCATED PARENTS and child. obtaining consent from the patient. He or she fainted as the baby was born. Another England. The main difference is that back ARE MORE PREPARED PARENTS is obliged to explain the nature, indication of the parents and fellow got carried away, happily snapping then midwives were allowed to deliver babies One factor that has had an impact on “In the old days, there was no placing of the and possible side effects of the operation,” photos of his newborn and overlooking the in private hospitals without the presence of midwives’ job responsibilities is the mindset patient’s legs in stirrups. She simply pulled shared N.G. grandparents.” presence of the wife, who had just endured an obstetrician. of parents. Whereas once fear and confusion back her thighs and pushed or bore down, the hardship of labour. He had completely Sister N.G. reigned, modern parents are generally following the midwife’s prompts,” recalled THE DELIVERY OF COMFORT forgotten all about her until she called out to In fact, as N.G. was trained in the UK, she calmer and more composed, according to N.G. “Today, there are always two nurses Today, midwives have considerably more him and asked him to take a picture of her was allowed to not only conduct deliveries N.G., a fact that she attributes to widespread and an obstetrician in the delivery room to resources to draw on for the purposes of What has not changed are the words of holding the baby!” but also teach student midwives. In the education. assist the mother at the point of delivery. One comforting a distressed mother. encouragement and positive reinforcement UK, she even delivered babies at patients’ of the nurses may not be a midwife. At times, that are never far from midwives’ lips. Now GIVING BIRTH, SHARING HAPPINESS homes. “Thanks to the availability of antenatal a paediatrician may also be present if the “Today, we can remind the mother of the that fathers are usually present at their “Giving birth is a happy occasion. I get classes, today’s new parents are generally baby is at risk.” breathing exercises that she learnt during babies’ births, midwives often ask husbands the immense job satisfaction of seeing Training, too, has remained relatively well prepared and understand what labour is her antenatal classes. We can also offer to hold their wives’ hands and do the the arrival of newborns and sharing in the consistent over the years. In N.G.’s day, only all about,” said N.G. “They used to be quite CHANGES TO ASSISTED AND her Entonox gas, a safe form of pain relief breathing exercises with them. happiness of the parents and grandparents,” Registered Nurses who had undergone fearful and sometimes at a complete loss EMERGENCY DELIVERIES that consists of 50 percent oxygen and said N.G. three years of general training could proceed when the time came to be admitted to the As for assisted deliveries, little has changed 50 percent nitrous oxide,” shared N.G. If N.G. confirmed that sometimes fathers to study for their Advanced Diploma in labour ward.” with regard to the instruments used. N.G. the patient is fit to get out of bed, music, become more emotional than mothers, who Midwifery – from all reports, sounds like one shared that Wrigley’s forceps, Neville Barnes aromatherapy and warm showers can are immersed in the physical challenge of the hardest but happiest jobs in the world. also help.

54 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 55 Medicine Today Medicine Today Looking at Floaters Looking at Floaters

Normal Eye vs. Eye with Floaters the solution. Though generally effective, a Looking at vitrectomy may not always remove floaters. If the procedure causes bleeding or trauma, they may form again.

Some doctors may also offer laser therapy, Floaters which involves aiming lasers at the floaters in order to break them up and reduce their presence. However, this procedure can occasionally result in retinal damage. Do you see specks, spots or cobwebs in your field of vision? Chances are, they are floaters. “Laser therapy is not the preferred treatment Dr Stephanie Young, Senior Consultant and Director of Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive method since it is still experimental. While Surgery at Eagle Eye Centre, sheds light on this common condition. seen as an effective treatment for some cases, some people have noticed little to no improvement. It can also worsen floaters WHAT ARE FLOATERS? This debris blocks some of the light passing WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A DOCTOR? in some instances,” cautioned Dr Young. Eye floaters are spots in your vision. They through the eye, casting tiny shadows The good news is, most of the time floaters “Discuss your options with your doctor before may look like black or grey specks, strings on your retina that are seen as floaters,” are harmless. pursuing this method.” or cobwebs that drift about when you move explained Dr Young. your eyes, and appear to dart away when An ophthalmologist should be consulted • Bleeding in the eye, caused by diabetes, LOOKING OUT FOR YOUR EYES you try to look at them directly. Any activity, such as rapidly moving immediately if you notice: hypertension, blocked blood vessels or Although it may not be possible to prevent your eyes to look at something, can stir • many more eye floaters than usual injury, can release blood cells that are “Sometimes the best eye floaters, Dr Young emphasises the Floaters may appear as: up these gel clumps and make floaters • a sudden onset of new floaters seen as floaters. importance of following some basic practices • small shapes in your vision that appear as more noticeable. Exercise that involves • flashes of light in the same eye as • Torn retina, or retinal tears, can occur treatment is nothing to keep the eyes healthy. dark specks or knobby, transparent strings pronounced head movements, such as the floaters when a sagging vitreous tugs on the at all. Coping with eye of floating material jogging and trampoline jumping, can have • darkness on any side or sides of your retina with enough force to tear it. Without “Eat a varied, nutritious diet, quit smoking, • spots that move when you move your eyes, the same effect. vision (peripheral vision loss) treatment, a retinal tear may lead to retinal floaters is the least wear sunglasses outdoors and protective so when you try to look at them, they move detachment — an accumulation of fluid eyewear when necessary, and avoid potential quickly out of your visual field WHY DO THEY SEEM TO ONLY WHAT SERIOUS UNDERLYING behind the retina that causes it to separate invasive option to injury to the eye,” advised Dr Young. • spots that are most noticeable when you OCCUR IN ONE EYE? CONDITIONS COULD THEY from the back of your eye. Untreated retinal look at a plain bright background, such as a Floaters may occur in one or both eyes. The INDICATE? detachment can cause permanent protect your eyes.” Then, with or without floaters and in the blue sky or a white wall severity may differ in both eyes resulting in Apart from the normal ageing of the vitreous vision loss. absence of any serious underlying conditions, Dr Stephanie Young • small shapes or strings that eventually settle asymmetrical symptoms, which can lead jelly in the eye, floaters may sometimes • Eye surgeries and eye medications that the future of your eye health should look very down and drift out of the line of vision patients to think they have floaters in one indicate other eye conditions. Here are are injected into the vitreous can cause air bright indeed. eye only. some of them. bubbles to form. These bubbles are seen If floaters impair vision and interfere with WHAT CAUSES THEM? as shadows until your eye absorbs them. daily life, a surgical procedure called a Most eye floaters are caused by age-related WILL THEY GO AWAY ON • Inflammation in the back of the eye, or Certain vitreoretinal surgeries add silicone vitrectomy can remove them. However, this changes in the vitreous, the jelly-like THEIR OWN? posterior uveitis, can cause the release oil bubbles into the vitreous that can also be surgery has its risks and benefits, which substance that fills the eyeballs and helps to For many people, eye floaters do not of inflammatory debris into the vitreous seen as floaters. should be discussed at length with an maintain their round shape. necessarily go away over time, but become that are seen as floaters. It may be caused ophthalmologist. The surgery should be Dr Stephanie Young less noticeable when they slowly sink within by infection, inflammatory diseases or HOW ARE THEY TREATED? done by a vitreoretinal surgeon. Senior Consultant “Over time, the vitreous partially liquefies — a the vitreous and eventually settle at the other causes. “Sometimes the best treatment is nothing Director of Ophthalmic Plastic & process that causes it to pull away from the bottom of the eye. Once this happens, they at all. Coping with eye floaters is the least During a vitrectomy, the surgeon removes Reconstructive Surgery Eagle Eye Centre Pte Ltd (EEC) eyeball’s interior surface. As the vitreous stop being noticeable and most people think invasive option to protect your eyes,” said the vitreous through a small incision and Medical Centre D #06-57/58/59/60/61/62 shrinks and sags, it clumps and gets stringy. they have gone away. Dr Young. replaces it with a solution to maintain the shape of the eye. The body will then produce more vitreous that will eventually replace

56 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 57 Baby & You Baby & You Breastfeeding for Beginners Breastfeeding for Beginners

FIRST-TIME FEARS being produced, but only after it has been Li stresses the importance of always Some first-time mothers worry that their milk established that the baby is latching on labelling expressed breastmilk with supply will be insufficient, while others fear correctly and/or the mother is expressing dates and times. Safe storage times vary the pain associated with engorged breasts correctly. according to different temperatures. and babies’ first attempts at latching on.

While these concerns are understandable, “Feeding on demand Storage of Expressed Li shared that breastfeeding does not have Breastmilk to be more stressful for first-time mothers is the definite answer, Room Temperature than second- and third-timers. Having just 4 hours as only your baby (<25°C) one child on which to focus your efforts can Cooler bag with 24 hours actually be less stressful than having to knows when he is Ice pack (<15°C) divide your attention between a toddler and Refrigerator (<4°C) 48 hours a newborn. hungry and how much Freezer (<-18°C) 6 months Li emphasised the importance of managing he wants to take from stress and first-time nerves, since these For those lucky mums who are able to work emotions can suppress the release of the the breasts”. from home, Li recommends the continuation breastfeeding hormone oxytocin, which in Xing Li of demand feeding and suggests investing in fact helps induce a state of calm. a baby carrier and nursing bib to maximise mobility and minimise mess. FEED ON DEMAND LATCHING ON The old school regime of scheduled feeds First-time mums are often unsure of what WHEN TO SEEK HELP has fallen out of favour, according to Li. constitutes ‘correct latching on’. Li offered Breastfeeding should be a beautiful, natural this simple checklist: bonding experience that brings joy, not pain. “Feeding on demand is the definite answer, • Baby’s mouth is wide open If a mother feels pain during or after feeding, as only your baby knows when he is hungry and covers a large portion she should visit a board-certified lactation and how much he wants to take from the of the areola consultant. breasts,” said Li. Since many newborns • Baby’s nose is free and are sleepy within the first two weeks of life, their chin touches the breast Similarly, if repeated attempts to breastfeed mothers should wake them up for a feed • A ‘suck, swallow and pause’ are unsuccessful, the mother should every four hours or so, she added. rhythm is observed seek help from a lactation consultant or • There are no clicking sounds breastfeeding mothers’ support group. It When all goes according to nature’s plan, or drawing in of baby’s cheeks is important to gain the support of family pregnancy hormones prepare a mother • Breast softens while baby members and friends, too. Breastfeeding well for breastfeeding. Typically, a woman latches on and drains it starts producing breastmilk at around of milk If you are a first-time mum contemplating 16 weeks into her pregnancy. Hence, breastfeeding, fret not. Breastmilk is nature’s almost all mothers have plenty of milk readily WHEN RETURNING TO WORK healthiest fast food and chances are you will available for their babies after delivery. If a mother has to return to work before her be a ‘natural’. for Beginners baby is ready to be weaned, she should “Feeding on demand with good latching or express enough milk for the feeds she Source: a correct expression technique will almost will miss while she is away from her baby. https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/ Motherhood does not come with an instruction manual, and every woman’s experience of always stimulate the breasts to produce Efficient electrical ‘double pumping’, of both recommendations/handling_breastmilk.htm breastfeeding is different. Xing Li, Lactation Consultant at Alvernia Parentcraft Centre, shares ample milk for your baby,” assured Li. breasts concurrently, is preferred by most Milk-boosting products are occasionally working mothers. some reassuring expert advice for first-time mums. Alvernia Parentcraft Centre recommended when not enough milk is Tel: 6347 6641

58 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 59 Sony Live Life-FA-OL.pdf 1 10/2/21 4:02 PM

Baby & You How to Emotionally Prepare for Parenthood When You Are Expecting

How to Emotionally Prepare for

Parenthood When You Are Expecting C M Amazing news! You are expecting your first baby. But what can you do to emotionally prepare for Y CM parenthood? Practise these five easy steps before becoming a mum and you will be as ready as you MY can be when your bundle of joy finally arrives. CY

CMY 1. DO NOT HAVE UNREALISTIC 3. PRACTISE SELF-CARE WHILE duties and household chores, and how you K EXPECTATIONS PREGNANT both feel these should be shared. Not feeling Start off by repeating this over and over Remember to take time for yourself. Look into emotionally and practically supported can again, “There is no such thing as the perfect prenatal yoga classes, which are a great way cause relationship problems for new parents, parent.” Mistakes will be made, so cut to relax and meet some like-minded mums- so it is best to be open about it now. yourself some slack. You may have a high- to-be. And both you and your partner should need baby, or you may have an easy baby. sleep as much as you possibly can. You will 5. PREPARE YOUR SUPPORT You might find breastfeeding comes easily be sleep-deprived parents for a long while NETWORK NOW to you, or it might take some perseverance. once you give birth, so this is the perfect time Family and friends can help guide you You will not know your baby’s temperament, to enjoy leisurely weekend lie-ins together. through your emotions during pregnancy and or what their feeding/sleeping patterns will into parenthood. Connect with like-minded, be, until their arrival. Embrace the unknown soon-to-be parents at new parents’ groups and do not let it overwhelm you. Family and friends can and pregnancy classes. Combine it with a hobby like prenatal exercise classes. It will 2. SLOW DOWN YOUR PACE help guide you through keep you healthy and fit, while giving you the Accept now that you will be doing everything opportunity to connect with other pregnant at a much slower speed. Whether that is your emotions during mums. initially recovering from birth or even getting pregnancy and into out the door for a breath of fresh air, give Get useful resources and tips for every yourself time to adjust to being a new mum. parenthood. parenting stage here: There is no rush and everything can wait. https://www.babyandme.nestle.com.sg/ You have a playdate at 11am, but you turn up 4. DISCUSS PARENTING DUTIES parenting-support at midday due to your baby deciding they are Have an honest chat with your partner about hungry again? No worries! Everyone is going what you are both expecting when you Article courtesy of Nestlé to understand – that is life with a newborn. become parents. Talk through parenting

60 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE Junior & Mummy Junior & Mummy Fussy? Gassy? Crying? Fussy? Gassy? Crying?

Fussy? Gassy? Crying? MAKE MEALTIMES HAPPY TIMES What causes digestive Feeding and nurturing your baby after 6 months is a special and rewarding experience. However, when You are not alone. About 50 percent of Q discomfort2? your baby’s delicate tummy cannot digest food comfortably, he may encounter some digestive discomfort babies have similar discomfort as your baby during their first year#. The good news is Digestive discomfort can simply be and the meal times may not be as enjoyable. that most babies will outgrow it. Here are the a sign that your baby’s sensitive and answers to some common questions, which Adelicate tummy is still developing – that is will hopefully help ease your baby’s delicate why it is common. Many babies are not able tummy – so meal times can be happy to completely digest the important nutrients times, too. in formula because the enzymes that break them down are not yet fully active. This Why does my baby’s tummy seem causes digestive discomfort. to be sensitive and delicate? Q How common is this condition? It takes time for your baby’s digestive system to fully mature as part of his Q Adevelopmental process. During this period It’s very common. About 50 percent of of growth, his tummy is usually delicate, babies experience digestive discomfort small and growing in size. And it is not Aduring their first year#. Although it is usually unusual for him to experience digestive not serious, it is a good idea to seek a discomfort. solution. What is a partially hydrolyzed What are the symptoms of Will my baby outgrow it? protein (PHP) formula? Is it easy digestive discomfort and what Qfor baby to digest it? Qcauses them1? Q Over time most children will outgrow A PHP formula contains proteins During or after feeding, your baby may their digestive discomfort2. It simply that are broken down into smaller appear uncomfortable and unhappy. Atakes time for the delicate tummy of a child Apieces, making it easy for a developing A and his digestive system to develop. Some digestive system to digest. Your baby’s He can pass gas. Occasional gas is babies begin to feel better after 6 months, delicate and sensitive tummy will not have completely normal for most babies, as it is while others can take a year. to work so hard to break down these often caused by air swallowed while feeding smaller proteins’ pieces. or crying. If the air is not burped back up, it How can I help my baby feel better? can become trapped in the digestive tract, bloating your little one’s tummy and making Q him uncomfortable. Sometimes you can help by changing the way you feed your baby. Here are a Spit-up is also a common occurrence for a Afew techniques to try: baby. A baby's tummy is delicate, small and

growing in size; sometimes it is hard for him • Burp him by patting gently from the lower Article courtesy of Mead Johnson to keep all of his food down. back, moving upwards, after every Sources: approx. 60 to 90ml (2 to 3 fl oz). He may be fussy or he may cry • Gently massage his stomach. #MJN Habits and Practices study 2015. n=2319 Stage 2 and 3 children in 6 markets in Asia. intermittently and sometimes seem • Feed him smaller amounts. 1Misselwitz et al, United European Gastroenterology inconsolable. • Calm a hungry or crying baby to prevent Journal 2013 2Kim K. et al, Korean J. Food Sci. Ani. Resour. 2011 him from gulping air.

62 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 63 ADVERTORIAL A Caregiver’s Advice on Knowing When to Seek Help

Caring for a loved one with chronic conditions involves both physical and mental challenges. A family caregiver shares how patients and caregivers may benefit from having additional support from professionals.

The role of a family caregiver is not one many received angioplasty in 2005, David found he has not been able to keep his subsequent expect to play. It’s hard to anticipate when a out that he had severe stenosis in 2018. appointment due to his lethargy after loved one might fall ill and develop a chronic This required him to undergo 6 months of chemotherapy treatments. Ramona was very condition that requires long-term care. As radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Three patient, friendly, understanding and didn't make Enhance your CareShield Life or ElderShield coverage a family caregiver, you can take on multiple months later, the doctor discovered another me feel stressed. She listened to my concerns roles – from aiding with daily activities like cancerous tumour in his liver which had begun attentively and encouraged me. It warms my with Aviva’s MyLongTermCare. dressing, feeding and bathing to coordinating to spread, hence requiring him to undergo heart that she texted me every now and then Key benefits1 on top of your ElderShield or CareShield Life payouts: medical appointments and medication radiofrequency ablation. to find out how we are coping. Ramona went • Choose to receive additional S$200 to S$5,000 per month with the option of fixed or increasing payouts administration in addition to staying on top of through great length to link me to Ling Ling who • Additional payouts: Lump Sum Benefit, Rehabilitation Benefit, Dependant Care Benefit, your finances all at once. The responsibilities Dealing with multiple chronic conditions has is a nurse coordinator from one of the Aviva’s Caregiver Relief Benefit and Death Benefit and demands on this role can be hugely not been easy for the couple, who have been home care service providers." challenging and may potentially put you at the married for 32 years now. As they continue to • Future premiums are waived when you’re unable to perform at least 1 Activity of Daily Living risk of developing depression, anxiety and face this emotional journey one day at a time, Being on the programme means having a • Guaranteed Issuance Option2 lets you increase your coverage without further health burnout over a long period of time. they found solace in their Christian faith and dedicated partner by your side to help manage underwriting at key life stages the support from their church community. the illness more effectively and ensure the • Premiums of up to S$600 per calendar year per Life Assured can be paid using MediSave3 Christine, 58, has been caring for her patient receives optimal support that will Enjoy husband David (61), who is a heart & diabetic In August 2020, an elderly friend told them promote recovery and enhance quality of life. Speak to us today to secure greater financial assurance! 20% perpetual patient. David was diagnosed with colorectal about Aviva’s Patient Support Programme – Scan QR code Visit WhatsApp cancer in January 2019. Soon after, he a healthcare management concierge service If there’s one advice Christine can give to other premium underwent a surgical procedure to have for Aviva’s MyShield and MyHealthPlus patients and caregivers in a similar situation, at.aviva.sg/MAH_MLTC 9239 9689 discount4 18-cm of his colon removed together with a policyholders who are managing chronic she said, ”Accept the help that is available. Do Promotion T&Cs apply. 4-cm tumour and 16 of the lymph nodes – conditions. The programme offers holistic not think "it may not help" because you’ll be three of which were diagnosed with stage IIIB support to kickstart the post-treatment surprised by how much of your burdens would Important notes: cancer. This resulted in another 11 months recovery journey for up to 12 months, which be lightened.” 1. Policy terms and conditions apply. Please refer to the Product Summary for more details. of him being put on a temporary stoma – a includes guidance and training on preventive 2. This option is extended to standard life only. The policyholder may exercise this option without providing further evidence of surgically created opening of an intestine care, nutrition, stress management and Visit Aviva Patient Support Programme insurability at any of the defined key life stage events (such as getting married or becoming a parent). Please refer to the Product for the purpose of discharging body waste. assistance to seek financial aid where to find out more or give us a call at Summary for more details. Due to David’s existing heart and diabetic necessary. +65 6827 9933. 3. Premiums exceeding the S$600 MediSave deduction limit will have to be paid in cash. If there are insuicient funds in the condition, the family was told that it would be MediSave account, cash payment will be required for the dierence. a high-risk procedure, which could potentially In collaboration with Aviva’s home care MyShield and MyHealthPlus are underwritten 4. Minimum annual premium of S$500 per policy. Please refer to www.aviva.com.sg/en/promotion/mylongtermcare-mylongtermcareplus for the terms and conditions. result in death. service provider, each plan is carefully by Aviva Ltd (“Aviva”). Mount Alvernia Hospital designed to suit the unique healthcare needs is not an insurance agent/intermediary and You may choose MyLongTermCare Plus as a supplement too. Please visit www.aviva.com.sg/mylongtermcare for more information. “We were confused, frightened, devastated, of each patient and to aid throughout the cannot solicit any insurance business, give You need to have a CareShield Life or ElderShield policy before purchasing MyLongTermCare or MyLongTermCare Plus. shocked and in denial as there wasn't any post-treatment recovery journey. “Ramona, advice, recommend any product or arrange any This policy is underwritten by Aviva Ltd. This is published for general information only and does not have regard to the specific investment family history of colorectal cancer.” said Aviva’s Clinical Case Manager, recommended insurance contract. Please direct all enquiries objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any specific person. A copy of the Product Summary may be obtained from Aviva Christine. counselling and a nutrition programme which to Aviva. Ltd and the participating distributors' oices. You should read the Product Summary and seek advice from a financial adviser representative before making a commitment to purchase the product. In the event that you choose not to seek advice from a financial I fully agree that David may benefit from as Information is accurate as at 01 Jan 2021. Protected up to adviser representative, you should consider whether the product in question is suitable for you. Buying a health insurance policy that Although the diagnosis of colorectal cancer he is still anxious and concern about the specified limits by SDIC. is not suitable for you may impact your ability to finance your future healthcare needs. This is not a contract of insurance. Full details came as a shock, David’s no stranger to bowel movements and abdominal pain. David of the standard terms and conditions of this policy can be found in the relevant policy contract. This advertisement has not been This article was first published on Aviva’s Money Banter. medical procedures. In addition to having had a Zoom counselling session once and For more articles on financial planning, please reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Information is accurate as at October 2020. Protected up to specified limits by SDIC. visit aviva.com.sg/money-banter. Ref: COMP/2020/10/PPM/1038 64 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE ISSUE 44 65 Senior Living Senior Living At 60 At 60

Now, at the age of 83, I am lucky to say On the bright side, I am no longer a slave A MESSAGE FOR THOSE TURNING 60 that my body is free from pain and to the corporate world. I am able to set my As someone who’s ‘been there, done chronic illness. own pace, and enjoy the luxury of being that’, to anyone approaching their able to stop and smell the roses. I use my 60th birthday, I would say – embrace A MIXED BLESSING spare time for self-reflection, self-guided active ageing, not passive ageing. No matter how much I take charge of my learning with the resources of the Internet, own mental and physical health, I am well reading, volunteering, and contributing You can add years to your life by making aware that I exert scant influence over the healthy lifestyle choices. It is not just a attitudes of society. matter of physical fitness but also of mental As someone who’s fitness. Have some quiet time while walking Throughout my senior years, there have or resting. Be grateful and remember been times when I felt that I had been ‘been there, done that’, those who have helped you in life. Stay dismissed as irrelevant due to my age. abreast of current affairs and, better still, Having amassed a wealth of experience in to anyone approaching contribute your insights and opinions to the business world, in senior management help make the environment and the world roles across a wide range of industries, my their 60th birthday, we live in a better place for current and efforts to obtain part-time work in retirement I would say – embrace future generations. Most importantly, be were largely unsuccessful. Philosophically, adaptable and resilient. Yes, you may fall ill, I accepted the silence, as we are all men active ageing, but your body is a marvellous machine that and women of one season. I had enjoyed can repair and recover from most ailments my moment in the sun, I told myself, so I not passive ageing. and injuries with the help of medical shouldn’t expect too much more. professionals. to this very magazine. I gratefully That said, attitudes are changing here in acknowledge the times when I am shown Remember, 60 is just a number. How you Singapore, thanks largely to the efforts kindness by youngsters who address me define yourself, and the sum total of your of our Government. To keep pace with as ‘Uncle’ and offer up their seat to me on actions, override it. lengthening lifespans, the retirement age public transport. has been changed from 55 to 67 years old. Initiatives such as SkillsFuture, to reskill For sure, growing old has its perks. elderly workers and help us familiarise ourselves with the digital world, have been At 60 introduced. I urge my compatriots to make by Anthony Goh full use of them. A Wish for Mount Alvernia Hospital On the occasion of your 60th anniversary, I salute On my 83rd birthday, I was asked what I could remember of being 60. It so happens that your respect for tradition and firm commitment to turning 60 was a turning-point in my life that brought with it unimaginable joy and renewed vitality. serving all with love, regardless of culture, faith, race and language. But change will come, and the world must roll forward post-COVID-19. Let NOT YOUNG, NOT YET OLD During my sixtieth year, due to a change in With a new life to care for, I stepped up At 60, I could still do many of the things I my family circumstances, a newborn baby my efforts with the self-care practices Mount Alvernia Hospital adapt and advance with used to do when I was younger, including came into my life. Holding this precious little that I follow to this day. I continue to walk redoubled dynamism and no fear of the future. daily brisk walks and workouts at the open girl was like holding the world in my arms. for several kilometres every day, follow a public gym. Though my hair was thinning, It was as if all the dormant forces, faculties balanced Mediterranean diet, and read and I was not quite as mentally sharp or and talents inside of me had been awoken. voraciously to keep my mind sharp and steady on my feet as I used to be, it never As I vowed to look after ‘my little world’ for curious. once occurred to me that I was ‘old’. another 40 years or more, God willing, I discovered a new, improved version The opinions expressed in this article of myself. are those of the author.

66 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 67 In the Pink In the Pink Building Resilience Building Resilience

I have failed, yet I am not a failure. Older People intrusive thoughts relating to contamination Charley cites this inspiring quote from According to WHO data from April 2020, or spreading disease. Furthermore, their Nelson Mandela: “The greatest glory in more than 95 percent of COVID-19 deaths daily routines are likely to have been living lies not in never falling, but in rising were among people over 60 years of age. disrupted, and they may no longer have every time we fall.” While protecting older people from the access to support networks such as face- virus, the isolation of quarantine heightens to-face counselling sessions, meeting Social Elements their risk of loneliness. friends or attending support groups. All Resilient people tend to have strong of these factors make them especially interpersonal relationships with family, vulnerable to crises and relapses. friends, colleagues, neighbours and the “For many people, community. They are generally comfortable COPING STRATEGIES with asserting themselves and setting religion, personal Tick the boxes in Charley’s checklist healthy boundaries when necessary, for building your personal resources for as well as expressing themselves and beliefs and spirituality coping with adverse situations, from global reaching out to ask for help when stressful pandemics to personal crises. situations arise. are a source of comfort, wellbeing,  Accept Change Spirituality By accepting and letting go of the things Spirituality can be an anchor that provides security, meaning, you cannot change, you are in a better relief and sense of control in grim and position to focus on the things that you can. seemingly hopeless situations. Anguish sense of belonging, This will help you feel more in control of itself can be a catalyst to deepen spiritual your life at a time when so much is beyond and religious practices and beliefs, which purpose and our control. can result in a positive coping mechanism strength”. that brings personal growth, peace and  Set Goals

above all hope to people. World Health Organization Set short- and long-term goals and focus Building Resilience on attaining them. From exercising daily In fact, the World Health Organization to planning a home renovation, goals (WHO) has declared, “For many people, People with Pre-existing Physical These trying times have triggered a mental health crisis worldwide. Charley Joyce, Senior Counsellor, can help you stop obsessing over the religion, personal beliefs and spirituality or Mental Illness pandemic and other problems, and focus Clarity Singapore Pte Ltd, shares insights into ways in which we can build our resilience. are a source of comfort, wellbeing, security, The pandemic can be especially on a brighter future. meaning, sense of belonging, purpose challenging for people with a pre-existing and strength.” physical or mental illness, as well as those  Find Meaning WHAT EXACTLY IS RESILIENCE? QUALITIES OF A RESILIENT PERSON Emotional Awareness whose circumstances make it difficult to Reflect on what gives your life meaning Charley describes mental and emotional Charley shared some common People who recognise and understand their COPING WITH COVID-19 adapt to changes. Dr Hans Kluge, director and makes you happy. It could be resilience as the ability to adapt and move characteristics of resilient people. own emotions and those of others tend to Though everyone has been affected by the of WHO Europe, told a press briefing in connecting with nature, supporting your forward in a constructive way when faced be able to regulate their feelings and switch pandemic in some way, Charley singled out January 2021 that it is taking its toll, both family, pursuing an interest, or a cause you with adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or Physical Elements to rational problem-solving mode in times three at-risk groups who are likely to have on those who were already at risk, as well feel passionate about. Remind yourself of significant sources of stress. In other words, Physical strength, energy and vitality are of crisis. been more adversely affected than others. as on those who have never sought mental these things, often, and especially when it is the ability to bounce back from difficult often seen in resilient people. If you are health support before. you are feeling helpless or hopeless. experiences. physically healthy, you are more likely A Sense of Humour Victims of Domestic Violence to be able to cope and adapt in stressful Having a sense of humour is a great People are told to stay home, but for Extensive public health updates and  Stay Connected situations. asset. Seeing the funny side of a stressful victims and survivors of domestic violence, continuous media coverage on the Stay in touch with your social support Fun fact: the word ‘resilience’ comes situation can trigger a shift in perspective including children, staying home is not a pandemic can trigger panic attacks in network. Use everyone’s new best friend, from the Latin word ‘resilio’ which means Mental or Psychological Elements that transforms a threat into a challenge. place of refuge, but a case of being trapped people who are already struggling with technology, to ‘facetime’, ‘Zoom’ or ‘Skype’ ‘to bounce back’ or retaliate. These include factors like mental flexibility, with their abusers. Children are especially anxiety and experiencing obsessions and your family and friends. emotional self-regulation, adjustability, A Positive Attitude to Mistakes vulnerable. The increased stress levels focus, self-awareness, and the ability to Allocating a constructive meaning to among parents can be a trigger for physical express oneself clearly and think rationally. failures and mistakes is a powerful way to abuse and neglect of children. build resilience. You must tell yourself –

68 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 69 In the Pink In the Pink Building Resilience Living Longer, Living Better

“Given the number of mental health apps that has it all figured out. If you pursue that Learn Something New  and programmes online, and the platforms ‘can-do ethos’ relentlessly, you could be Develop a learning spirit – pursue a new that doctors, counsellors, psychologists setting yourself up for failure,” cautioned interest or acquire a new skill. Mastering and social workers have been using to stay Charley. something new will boost your confidence in in touch with their patients, it may remain your ability to cope with the challenges that a viable option even after the pandemic According to Charley, studies show that life throws at you, both during and after ends,” said Charley. surviving a stressful event outside the the pandemic. realm of normal human experiences can have serious long-term effects such as  Practise Self-compassion hypervigilance, hyperarousal, anxiety, panic Be kind to yourself. When you are upset, “In some circles, attacks, and feeling overwhelmed. take time out to vent your frustrations or being vulnerable is release your disappointment. Go for a walk “The truth is that chaos and mayhem make or a run – it can help you process your seen as a weakness most people psychologically weaker, not thoughts. Once you are calm, reassess stronger,” clarified Charley. your options and open your mind to all of and there is an the possible positive outcomes of whatever AN AFFIRMATION OF OUR situation is getting you down. unspoken pressure COMMON HUMANITY to present oneself as Surviving a crisis that is uniquely personal, such as a serious illness or injury from a someone that has it freak accident, can lead to feelings of acute isolation. The pandemic, on the other hand, all figured out. If you has been uniquely universal. pursue that ‘can-do From all reports, a sense of camaraderie ethos’ relentlessly, has arisen from the collective hardship that has brought the world together. This  Practise Self-care you could be setting humbling experience has taught us that Make good choices with regard to diet, adversities can happen to any one of us – exercise and sleep. Strengthen your yourself up for failure”. and to all of us. mental health with mindfulness, spiritual Charley Joyce practices, journaling, yoga or meditation. “Collective thinking, caring and connection, Avoid negative outlets, such as drugs, and the sharing of resources, will bring the alcohol and other substances. This will help DO NOT DEMAND TOO MUCH world out of chaos without destroying our empower your body with the resources to OF YOURSELF spirits,” predicted Charley. “Positive things cope with stress rather than succumb to it. If it doesn’t destroy you, it makes you like unconditional love and care, and a stronger. The old saying has been quoted nurturing environment that encourages  Remain Hopeful often in recent times. people to explore, learn and adapt, will Maintain a hopeful and optimistic outlook, make us all stronger.” Living Longer, and remember that a difficult situation can While Charley agreed that hanging on be an opportunity for learning and personal to that thought can be self-affirming and You heard it from Charley. We will survive growth. This will help you keep your motivating, she pointed out that it can this pandemic. And we may emerge emotions within the ‘window of tolerance’ become a problem if you set such high stronger, kinder and wiser for it. so that you can rationalise your problems standards for yourself that you feel you and find solutions. Living Better must put on an act and hide your fears rather than seek help when you are EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY struggling. Clarity Singapore While Charley admits that teletherapy Tel: 6757 7990 In the course of our 60-year journey, it has become apparent that the vast majority of people value their Email: [email protected] was never the first choice among “In some circles, being vulnerable is seen health and their relationships with loved ones above all else. To live our best lives for as long as we can, mental health practitioners before as a weakness and there is an unspoken for both ourselves and the people we love, we asked three resident healthcare professionals for their COVID-19, she champions the many pressure to present oneself as someone ways in which technology has helped advice on how we can actively plan to live longer and better. support mental health.

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ADWIN’S TOP 5 TIPS FOR LIVING LONGER AND LIVING BETTER 1 Start slow. If this is your first time exercising in a long while and/or returning to exercise post injury, it is important to start at a level that is suitable for you and DR CHARIS KUM, gradually work your way up. This prevents Resident Physician, Health Screening Centre injuries from occurring and keeps you in I like to tell my patients that health screening optimum shape! is an investment in your health. It is an effective avenue to screen for potential 2 Be consistent. Always plan your exercise health issues, and get on top of them. We routine and how it fits into your schedule! do not get to decide when our life ends, As the saying goes; if you fail to plan, but we do get to decide the quality of it. you plan to fail. Having a fixed exercise schedule not only helps to ensure you Please ensure that you do your screenings set aside time for exercise, it also helps to at recommended intervals, and discuss what cultivate a habit! diagnostic tests are required with your doctor. 3 Set realistic goals. Aiming to run under DR KUM’S TOP 5 TIPS FOR LIVING LONGER 4 Reframe and redefine exercise. 10 minutes for 2.4km in one month’s time? AND LIVING BETTER For most of us, engaging in exercise Great! But if you have not run in years, it 1 Schedule regular opportunities Please ensure that you is somewhat rare as we are often too is very unlikely you will be able to achieve ADWIN HO, for self-care. This could be going busy. I would encourage you to move this timing. Setting realistic and attainable do your screenings Physiotherapist, Mount Alvernia Hospital for exercise classes, feeding yourself a little bit, often. This can be as simple Regular exercise goals will keep you motivated! Rehabilitation Centre with high quality organic food or even as taking the stairs at work, walking to at recommended Regular exercise adds life to years and adds life to years and making sure that you get enough sleep lunch and stopping one or two bus or 4 Consult the doctor. If you have any not just years to life. It improves aerobic every night. Tending to your mental and intervals, and discuss train stops before your intended stop pre-existing health condition(s), i.e. capacity, strength, flexibility and balance. not just years to life. emotional health reduces burnout and and walking the rest of the way. This cardiac, metabolic, musculoskeletal and This works to increase cardiovascular anxiety. You should also prioritise your what diagnostic tests will combat the frequent excuse I hear so on, it is essential that you seek your fitness, build stronger bones, reduce cancer It improves aerobic physical health and schedule an annual – “I’ve no time for exercise, doctor.” I doctor’s advice before you start getting are required with risk, control blood sugars, improve mental health screening with your doctor for encourage you to engage in at least capacity, strength, more active to ensure you are fit to take health and promote weight loss. All these regular check-ins on your health status. 30 minutes of activity at least four or part in any physical activity. your doctor. benefits help to reduce the likelihood of five times per week. If you track your flexibility and balance. being diagnosed with chronic diseases 2 Choose nutrient-rich, colourful foods. steps/activity with a tracker (good for 5 Enjoy your exercise. Last but not least, such as diabetes, hypertension and high Studies have shown that the healthiest you!), you should aim for 10,000 steps If you face barriers that prevent you from always find an exercise programme or a 3 Get on board with vaccinations. cholesterol, which are precursors to serious diets are plant-based (Mediterranean, per day. taking part in an exercise programme, sport that you enjoy! It also helps if you For the regular adult, annual vaccines health conditions like cardiovascular flexitarian and so on), which involves seek professional help. A physiotherapist can find an exercise buddy who can like influenza can reduce the severity diseases and stroke. choosing to eat nuts, legumes, fruits and 5 Pick up a new skill. This could be can help identify your barriers to exercise embark on this fitness journey with you. of the disease. Other important vegetables over processed foods, red as simple as learning to cook (and and suggest ways to overcome them, build This will keep you going for the long term! vaccines are pneumococcal, MMR meats and so on. Eat colourful foods as prepare healthy meals for work your confidence and set realistic fitness (mumps, measles and rubella), chicken they have many nutrients, vitamins and lunches? Win-win!), setting aside time goals with you. The end result? A healthier pox and Hepatitis B. I would also minerals. I would also encourage you to to meditate or do yoga, destressing and fitter life! encourage girls between the ages of 18 Rehabilitation Centre start looking at nutritional labels so that while doing pottery, or even learning a to 26 years old to get cervical cancer Mount Alvernia Hospital you know and understand what we are new language. Challenging ourselves Tel: 6347 6203 vaccines. Please see your doctor to feeding our bodies. Often times, many and stretching our capacity for assess your suitability for the various foods branded as ‘healthy’ are not. learning will help keep us cognitively vaccines available. agile and combat dementia.

Health Screening Centre Mount Alvernia Hospital Tel: 6347 6215

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ROSE GOH, ROSE’S TOP 5 TIPS FOR LIVING Senior Manager, Clinical Pastoral Care, To be truly healthy, LONGER AND LIVING BETTER Mount Alvernia Hospital 1 Positive Thinking – According To be truly healthy, you must focus on the five you must focus on to research from the University of dimensions of the human person – mental, Southern California, the mind thinks emotional, spiritual, physical and social. the five dimensions an average of 70,000 thoughts a day Whenever one dimension is neglected, the and most of the thoughts are repetitive. overall health of a person is affected. of the human person An increased awareness of what goes – mental, emotional, inside our minds and our thinking To embrace a healthier lifestyle, a well- patterns allows us to be proactive in balanced and holistic approach is integral. spiritual, physical channeling our thoughts towards what I urge you to take positive steps towards is beneficial for our well-being. enhancing your mental and emotional and social. health, so that you can look forward to living 2 Embrace Trusted Relationships – longer and living better. Building and strengthening fulfilling relationships with family and friends allow us to form a support network to share our joys and challenges in life.

3 Active Living – Exercise is a great tool for stress management and mood lifting. There are different forms of exercises catering to individual preferences. Regular exercise work wonders for our emotional and mental wellbeing.

4 Continual Learning – Keeping our minds active with lifelong learning is a great way to boost our self-esteem and confidence. It also aids us in our personal and spiritual growth.

5 Enjoy “Me Time” – Having our own personal space to acknowledge the importance of self allows us to get in touch with our innermost being. It enables us to be attuned to ourselves and prioritise what matters most.

The above five tips reflect one of our core values of being committed to building life-giving relationships with all, which is PEACE!

Clinical Pastoral Care Mount Alvernia Hospital Tel: 6347 6688

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